Meningococcal Vaccination The School Health Clinic, in collaboration with a local medical centre, is offering the funded Meningococcal vaccines Bexsero (meningococcal B) and MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY). Any student can register for the vaccine but please note there is funding for students in their first year of boarding. Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can lead to 2 very serious illnesses: ● meningitis — an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord ● septicaemia — blood poisoning There are different types of meningococcal bacteria, including A, B, C, W, and Y. In New Zealand, most meningococcal disease is caused by group B bacteria. The disease is spread in similar ways to the common cold — by coughing and sneezing, or by contact with saliva (spit). More information can be found here. MenB vaccine Bexsero is the vaccine used in New Zealand to protect against meningococcal B. A receiver of the vaccine needs two doses of the MenB vaccine given eight weeks apart. MenACWY MenQuadfi is the vaccine used in New Zealand to protect against meningococcal A, C, W, and Y. A receiver of the vaccine needs one dose. Costs: If your child/student does not qualify for the funded vaccines (i.e. are in the first year of boarding), there is a cost of $405 for the vaccination.
Influenza Vaccination The flu (influenza) is a virus that spreads quickly between people. Flu causes symptoms like a fever, runny nose, cough or an upset stomach. There can be different types or strains of flu that can make you sick each year. Flu (influenza) spreads quickly from person to person through touch and through droplets in the air including: ● direct contact with people who have flu ● contact with surfaces that have the flu virus on them ● coughing ● sneezing ● talking A receiver of the vaccine needs one dose. Costs: The Flu Vaccine is unfunded for all students at a cost is $46. There are some cases where a student may be eligible for a free vaccine. See here for more details on the vaccine and eligibility for funding.
Consent and timing Consent and timing: If you wish for your child/student to receive either or both of the above vaccines, please complete the permission Google Form by 24 March 2025 so we are able to order the required doses. The doses are given onsite at school and in the case of the MenB vaccine, it is given eight weeks apart. Contact: Please contact the School Nurse, Kate at k.begovich@stpauls.school.nz if you have any questions.