Meningococcal immunisation

Prior to administration

Always check the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to check if any doses of a meningococcal vaccine have already been administered.

The Department has developed a Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Vaccine Guidance Table to support administration.

Managing possible fever associated with Bexsero vaccine

Paracetamol is recommended with every dose of Bexsero for those aged less than 2 years. Fever in this cohort is a common and expected adverse event following meningococcal B Bexsero administration.

The first dose of paracetamol is recommended within 30 minutes prior to, or as soon as practicable, after vaccination. This is followed by two more doses of paracetamol given 6 hours apart, even if the child does not have a fever. Doses of paracetamol should be administered as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Other recommended groups

Others who should consider having a meningococcal vaccine include:

• People who plan to travel or live in parts of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa, or people participating in mass international gatherings such as the Hajj in Mecca. Some countries require evidence of vaccination for entry visas.
• Laboratory personnel who frequently handle Neisseria Meningitis Household or sexual contacts of a case.
• People who have medical conditions associated with an increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) such as:
  • defects in or deficiency of complement components, including factor H, factor D or properdin deficiency
  • current or future treatment with eculizumab (a monoclonal antibody directed against complement component C5) functional or anatomical asplenia
  • HIV infection, regardless of stage of disease or CD4+ count
  • haematopoietic stem cell transplant

Refer to the online Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site) for current recommended groups.

Vaccine ordering

Immunisation providers are responsible for ensuring vaccines received and stored at their premises, are managed by staff educated in cold chain management who follow the National vaccine storage guidelines: Strive for 5 (external site). 

Visit vaccine ordering for related information.

Provider reporting

Mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is mandatory for all immunisation providers to report all National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines administered. Mandatory reporting also includes influenza and COVID-19 vaccines administered.

Immunisation providers who receive and administer other government-funded or private vaccines, should report vaccines administered to ensure individuals have completeness through their AIR immunisation history statement (external site) and their health can be managed effectively. Ensure you are using the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.

New immunisation providers can find more information on Immunisation provider information and resources.

Reporting adverse events following immunisation

Reporting of AEFIs to the Western Australia Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system is a condition of Structured Administrations and Supply Arrangements (SASAs) that provide the authority for immunisation providers to safely administer vaccinations in WA.

Immunisation providers who become aware of an AEFI should use the SAFEVAC Reporting (external site) to notify the WAVSS.

Please visit AEFI for further information about AEFI reporting and surveillance