Meningococcal Tops Disease Concerns for Australian GPs and Parents

A new survey reveals Australian GPs and parents have a high level of concern about meningococcal disease and many mistakenly believe they have full protection against this potentially deadly disease.^1,2
The online survey of 150 Australian GPs and 400 parents of young children and adolescents, undertaken on behalf of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, shows a significant disconnect between awareness and understanding of this rare but potentially fatal disease.
In the survey, 88 per cent of parents reported being aware of meningococcal disease and 75 per cent ranked it as one of the top three infectious diseases that concern them most. Almost half were unaware there are different strains.¹
Many parents mistakenly believe current vaccines provide protection against meningococcal B^1,2.
According to Professor Robert Booy, Head of Clinical Research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), “the finding of greatest concern is that three quarters (75%) of parents believe the current meningococcal C vaccination also protects against the most common cause of meningococcal disease, serogroup B^1,3.
“Given the high level of parental concern about meningococcal disease, GPs have an important role to play. GPs can help address parents’ high level of concern by ensuring parents are up-to-date with their child’s vaccinations; are aware that current vaccines do not provide full coverage against meningococcal disease; and can recognise the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and know to act quickly if they suspect it.”
Many GPs are also unaware that serogroup B infections are the most common cause of meningococcal infections^1,3
Given available vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal infection, ² it is important to ensure parents are aware of the signs and symptoms.
References
¹ Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics. 2013. Data on file. Metis Healthcare Research. April 2013.
² Commonwealth of Australia. 2013. The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition, Part 4 Vaccine Preventable Diseases p318.  Available online. Last accessed 13 June 2013: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/EE1905BC65D40BCFCA257B26007FC8CA/$File/part4.pdf
³ Lahra MM, Enriquez RP. 2012. Annual Report of the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme, 2011. CDI: Vol 36, No 3, 2012. Available online. Last accessed 11 September 2013: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-cdi3603-pdf-cnt.htm/$FILE/cdi3603c.pdf.