THE 1ST BROADLY EFFECTIVE VACCINE TO PROTECT AGAINST MENINGOCOCCAL B DISEASE.

On average, 1 new person is diagnosed every 24 hours across Australia with Meningococcal Disease. 1 out of 20 Australian cases ends in death. 4 in 20 survivors suffer permanent disability.

The most vulnerable population : infants (18 x more likely than adults) and teenagers from 15 to 19 years old ( 4 x more than adults).

The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease can be split into 5 main types, classified as serogroups ( A,B,C,W and Y). In Australia, the majority of meningococcal disease in infants is caused by meningococcal serogroup B (Men B) disease.

Meningococcal disease has a rapid onset and progression:

4 - 8 hours: irritability, fever, nausea, sore throat, coryza, general aches, leg pain;

9 - 15 hours: cold hans/ feet, petechiae, purpuric rash, meningismus, photophobia;

16 - 24 hours: confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, septic shock, multisystem failure, death.