Meningococcal Disease Information

Kia ora,

You may be aware that cases of meningococcal disease have been identified in universities recently. We wanted to make sure you knew that young people aged between 13 and 25 years old residing in boarding schools or tertiary halls of residence can now be protected from meningococcal disease free of charge.

Meningococcal disease is serious and can be life-threatening. It can develop rapidly and be deadly within just a few hours.

People who survive meningococcal disease often have serious long-term effects, including amputation of limbs, hearing loss, seizures, brain injury, and permanent skin scarring. But vaccination is very effective in helping prevent meningococcal disease.

Rangatahi living in close proximity are at higher risk of meningococcal disease due to the way the bacteria are transmitted from person to person. Students wanting to get vaccinated should contact student health or their usual health provider.

Common symptoms of meningococcal disease include:

• a fever (high temperature), although their hands and feet may feel cold
• vomiting
• muscle and joint aches and pains.

Common symptoms of meningitis, which is caused by meningococcal disease, include:

• a headache, which may be severe
• a stiff neck
• sensitivity to bright light
• drowsiness and confusion (being hard to wake them).
• a red or purple rash is common, but it doesn’t always happen.
• spots may appear on the body looking like a rash or bruises.

If you are concerned that someone in your care might have meningococcal disease, call a doctor straight away or dial 111 and say what the symptoms are.

If you have any questions about this update or would like more information, please contact immunisation@health.govt.nz.

Ngā mihi, 

Rob Humphrys

Acting Group Manager Operations
National Immunisation Programme
Prevention, National Public Health Service

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand