The Informer

12 Dec 2017

Meningococcal Vaccines for Gay and Bi Men in Victoria following Outbreak

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Since May this year there 8 cases have been identified across Melbourne of meningococcal, almost all in gay and bisexual men. From Monday 11th December 2017,  gay and bisexual men in Victoria can receive a free meningococcal vaccination following an outbreak of the deadly disease.

Meningococcal is a serious bacterial infection that can cause rapid, serious illness which can be fatal for 10% of infected people.  Anyone who feels suddenly unwell with fevers, rash, headache or light sensitivity, muscle aches and pains should seek urgent medical attention.

In a statement on Friday, Acting Chief Health Officer of Victoria Dr Brett Sutton, urged men who have sex with men to get themselves vaccinated to reduce the spread of the disease, with free vaccines available for gay and bisexual men from December 11^th until June 30^th 2018 and joined us on The Informer.

Men who have close or intimate contact with other men should get protected against this potentially deadly disease. Those in relationships or meeting online or through apps, bars, clubs or parties are all at risk

The infection can lead to meningitis and sepsis, which can be deadly in up to 10 per cent of cases, and about 20 per cent of people who survive the disease are left with a permanent disability, such as brain damage or the loss of fingers, toes or limbs.

People with higher risk are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

This includes:

People living with HIV

People who have had their spleen removed

People on immunosuppressive drugs

And people with decreased immune function or stem cell transplant

Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease in older children and adults can include:

fever

headache

loss of appetite

neck stiffness

discomfort when looking at bright lights (photophobia)

nausea and/or vomiting

diarrhoea

aching or sore muscles

painful or swollen joints

difficulty walking

general malaise

moaning, unintelligible speech

drowsiness

confusion

collapse

rash of red or purple pinprick spots or larger bruises.

If you are concerned that you are suffering from any of these symptoms, go and see your GP, and get yourself vaccinated to protect yourself.

This segment aired on The Informer on JOY 94.9 on 11th December 2017.

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