A series of The Kids Research Institute Australia studies looking at safety and persistence of protective antibody responses for Meningococcal ACWY vaccines in children has led the way for its use in Australia after a significant rise of W strain infections.
The vaccine was used to treat a Kalgoorlie community after a Meningococcal W disease outbreak in November 2016, and has now been recommended for adolescent programs across four Australian states.
In 2017, it will be provided to WA teenagers aged 15-19 as part of a three-year vaccination program.
According to Professor Peter Richmond, Head of the Vaccine Trials Group which sits in the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, the study results have been available to help inform government policy at a critical time, allowing young people to be protected from Meningococcal W when they are most at risk.
Professor Richmond’s team has also worked on a series of Meningococcal B vaccine studies in teenagers and young adults that have contributed to the vaccines being licensed in Australia and overseas.
What’s next?
A meningococcal B vaccine is being rolled out to teenagers in South Australia to examine the impact of immunising large community groups against the disease.