The Ministry of Health is standing by it's targeted approach to meningococcal W vaccinations in Northland

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says the decision was taken following expert advice and work by PHARMAC to source vaccines.

The advice was the targeted campaign was needed to supplement the routine administration of antibiotics to close contacts to contain the outbreak.

She says the ministry was very aware of global shortages of the vaccine and the need to use it sparingly in case the situation worsened or other parts of the country also needed a similar response.

McElnay says the campaign was successful with only one case in Northland since it was launched.