Health Minister Michael Ferguson said meningococcal W has increased significantly across Australia in the last two years and five cases had been reported in Tasmania so far this year.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that can cause lifelong disability in up to 20 per cent of cases and death in five to 10 per cent of cases.

“Under the new program more than 33,000 15 to 19-year-old Tasmanian teenagers will be eligible to receive a four-antigen vaccine, which will provide protection against meningococcal A, C, W and Y strains,” Mr Ferguson said.

According to the state government 10 per cent of healthy individuals carry the meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat, and older teenagers were particularly at risk of carrying and transmitting the bacteria to others.

The bacteria cannot survive outside the body and does not spread easily from shared drinks, food or cigarettes.

“Tasmania joins New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia in implementing a meningococcal W vaccination program for older teenagers in 2017 and 2018,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The program will begin during term three of 2017 for students in Year 10, 11 and 12 in public, private and Catholic high schools and colleges.”

For older teenagers who have left school to attend further education, training or work, the free vaccine will be available from their GP from August 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018.