In 2024, students in Year 10 can receive vaccines to protect them against certain diseases. See information below on the specific vaccines and diseases they protect you against.

Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero®)

Two doses of the vaccine are given to Year 10 students, eight weeks between each vaccine.

This protects students from most types of meningococcal B in Australia.

When you’ve had the Bexsero® vaccine, you might

  • have a sore, red or swollen arm where the injection ( needle) was given
  • have a headache
  • have painful (sore) muscles and joints
  • get a temperature
  • feel nauseous (sick)

For further information about the South Australian Meningococcal B Immunisation Program.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix®)

One vaccine is given to Year 10 students.

This protects students from the A,C,W and Y strains of meningococcal disease.

When you’ve had the meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix®) vaccine, you might

  • have a sore, red or swollen arm where the injection (needle) was given
  • have a headache 
  • get a temperature
  • feel nauseous (sick)
  • feel tired or generally unwell.  

It is safe to have the meningococcal ACWY vaccine and the meningococcal B vaccine at the same time.

About the diseases

Meningococcal is a very serious, and potentially life-threatening, infection (germ) that can infect your body.

It’s passed between people who have a meningococcal infection (germ) in their nose or throat (carrier). People can carry the bacteria (have the germ), but not know it because they aren’t sick. Even if they aren’t sick, they can still pass on the germ onto others, who could get very sick.

There are different types of meningococcal infection. Meningococcal B is the most common type in Australia.

High school students are at a high risk of getting a meningococcal infection because they spend a lot of time close together.

For more information on meningococcal infection see You've Got What?

Meningococcal infection can cause

  • meningitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord)
  • septicaemia (infection of the blood)   
  • body parts, like your fingers and toes to die resulting in loss of limbs, deformities and scarring
  • problems with your hearing, sight and learning 
  • death

Further information

For further information on the School Immunisation Program contact your GP or immunisation provider.