Fed: Minister says meningococcal vaccine in short supply

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Fed: Minister says meningococcal vaccine in short supply

The federal government is moving to approve mass vaccinations for the deadly meningococcaldisease but faces a shortage of vaccine.

Federal Health Minister KAY PATTERSON says there are only about 200,000 doses of thevaccine for Type-C meningococcal meningitis, which accounts for two-thirds of meningococcaldeaths.

Senator PATTERSON says there's a worldwide shortage of the vaccine, prompted by immunisationcampaign overseas and by one batch having to be destroyed because it was too weak.

She also says the high cost of mass vaccination means the issue will have to go beforecabinet for a final decision.

Senator PATTERSON has warned that vaccinations won't provide complete protection, becausethere's no vaccine for the more prevalent Type-B meningitis.

AAP RTV mb/wjf

KEYWORD: MENINGOCOCCAL (CANBERRA)