Meningococcal protection for NSW teens

Year 11 and 12 students in NSW will be offered a meningococcal vaccination to combat the rise in the W strain of the potentially fatal disease.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in a statement on Monday that the $9 million vaccination program, which will start in term two, will see 180,000 vulnerable teenagers in all high schools eligible to be vaccinated.

The NSW Meningococcal W Response Program will target 17 and 18 year olds this year, as immunisation experts advise that this age group is particularly at risk because of their physical closeness with peers.