New Zealand extends meningococcal immunization campaign

Speaking at a celebration to mark the delivery of the three millionth vaccine dose, New Zealand minister of health Pete Hodgson said that new data confirms that the end of the meningococcal B epidemic is in sight.

In 2003, the year prior to the start of campaign, there were 189 cases of epidemic strain meningococcal disease in under 20-year-olds. This dropped to 82 cases last year – a 57% reduction.

“The rapid decline in meningococcal cases has given us the confidence to push ahead with an extension of the campaign to ensure all New Zealand children get the protection they need,” Mr Hodgson remarked. “The three years of new operational funding will enable continued vaccination for all newborns and vaccination of under-fives through 2009 in addition to an extra six months of vaccination for 5-19 year olds through 31 December 2006.”

A new funding package allows for the purchase, storage, delivery and operational costs to administer the MeNZB vaccine over three years through to mid-2009.

The extension of the program aims to build on the successes of controlling the epidemic to date, in particular by ensuring that newborns and under five-year-olds, who are at highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease, are protected with the MeNZB vaccine.