NSW needs MenB vax to catch up to NT, SA and QLD

3 minute read


Currently, 86% of patients cannot afford meningococcal B vaccination, says Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Karen Quick.


New South Wales is lagging behind other states, including the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland, by not offering meningococcal B vaccinations to at-risk groups. The RACGP is calling for change.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness that often presents with meningitis and septicaemia and is most common in young children, adolescents and young adults.

Meningococcal B is one of a number of strains, which also include A, C W and Y.

In 2020, the Commonwealth government included meningococcal B vaccines on the National Immunisation Program for Indigenous infants under two and those with a medical condition that increases the risk of invasive disease.

Currently, the ACT, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW do not fund additional vaccinations.

In Queensland, all infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months are eligible for state-funded vaccination, as are children up to 2 years who have not previously started the course. It is also available to adolescents aged 15 to 20.

South Australia offers the vaccine to all children aged 6 weeks to 12 months and school children in year 10.

This year, the NT government has begun its roll out of a free meningococcal B vaccination program for all infants 6 weeks to 12 months and year 9 students.

It will also vaccinate children aged 12 months to 2 years and adolescents aged 15-19 until 2027 as part of a catch-up program.

Today, the RACGP called on the NSW government to catch up to the pack by providing the meningococcal B vaccine for all children up to two and every teen aged 15 to 19.

RACGP NSW and ACT chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said dramatically reducing deaths and disability from this devasting disease was within reach.

“Effective vaccines are available, now it is up to the government to ensure free access to all at-risk Australians,” she said.

“Meningococcal B is rare, but deadly.

“Statistics show it kills 5 to 10% of patients and leaves 10 to 20% of survivors with brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability.

“This virus is most devastating for vulnerable kids and young people, and out-of-pocket costs shouldn’t prevent any parents in NSW from protecting their children.”

Dr Hoffman said vaccines were one of the most important tools for prevention against deadly diseases such as meningococcal B.

“In SA, the meningococcal B vaccination program cut rates amongst children by 60%, and by 73% amongst adolescents,” she said.

“Queensland and the NT have also rolled out successful programs and it is time for NSW to match these commitments.”

Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Karen Quick joined the call for action.

“You cannot place a cost on a life or our children’s future,” she said.

“86% of patients simply cannot afford this lifesaving meningococcal B vaccination, the government can fix this, saving NSW children from death and lifelong disability.”

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