Meningococcal Vaccination
Meningococcal Vaccination at Mercury Bay Pharmacy
The meningococcal vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infection (septicaemia).
At Mercury Bay Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacist vaccinators can administer meningococcal vaccines following a consultation to confirm that vaccination is suitable for you.
Vaccination may help reduce the risk of meningococcal infection and is recommended for certain age groups and people at higher risk, in accordance with New Zealand immunisation guidelines.
Types of Meningococcal Vaccines
Different vaccines help protect against different strains of meningococcal bacteria.
At Mercury Bay Pharmacy, vaccines may include:
Bexsero® (Meningococcal B Vaccine)
Bexsero® is a vaccine that helps protect against meningococcal group B, which is one of the most common causes of meningococcal disease in New Zealand.
This vaccine may be recommended for:
Infants and young children
Adolescents and young adults
People with certain medical conditions that increase risk
Others who may benefit from protection against group B meningococcal disease
MenQuadfi® (Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine)
MenQuadfi® helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W, and Y.
This vaccine may be recommended for:
Adolescents and young adults
People living in shared accommodation, such as hostels or halls of residence
Travellers to countries where meningococcal disease is more common
People with certain medical conditions
Who May Be Eligible for Funded Vaccination?
Eligibility for funded meningococcal vaccination in New Zealand is determined by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora.
Some groups may be eligible for funded vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme, depending on age, health conditions, or other risk factors.
Our pharmacists can help confirm whether you are eligible for funded vaccination.
What to Expect During Your Vaccination
When you visit Mercury Bay Pharmacy for meningococcal vaccination:
A pharmacist vaccinator will review your health information and eligibility
The vaccine will be administered by injection
You may be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a short observation period
Some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or mild fever.
If you are looking for a meningococcal vaccine in Whitianga, the team at Mercury Bay Pharmacy can provide vaccination services in line with New Zealand immunisation guidelines.
To learn more about Bexsero®, MenQuadfi®, or meningococcal vaccination, please visit Mercury Bay Pharmacy or contact our team.
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can progress rapidly. Even if people survive, they may experience long-term and severe consequences such as limb amputation, hearing loss, seizures, brain inflammation, lung infection and permanent skin disfigurement.
Meningococcal vaccines protect against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
Pharmacy now offers funded vaccines against meningococcal disease for those that are eligible, this includes those that are at high-risk of catching the disease (young adults living in close living situations, e.g halls of residence).
There are two vaccines available to cover majority of serogroups that are currently present in New Zealand:
1. Bexsero (Meningococcal B Vaccine) protects against the B serogroup
2. MenQuadfi (Meningococcal ACWY) which protects against the ACWY serogroups.
Both are recommended to be given at the same time for the best coverage against Meningococcal disease.
