The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging the New South Wales government to provide free Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines for vulnerable groups, warning that financial barriers are preventing families from accessing the life-saving immunisation.
MenB is a rare but devastating disease, which can progress quickly and lead to death or disability.
The RACGP is calling for free MenB vaccines for every child aged 2 and under, as well as teenagers aged 15-19 years, to ensure broader protection across the state.
‘Significantly reduce MenB deaths and disability’
“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,” she says.
“Out-of-pocket costs shouldn’t prevent any parents in NSW from protecting their children.
“Prevention is the best solution, and effective vaccines are one of the most important tools we have for keeping our people safe from deadly infections such as these.
“In South Australia, the Meningococcal B vaccination program cut rates amongst children by 60%, and by 73% amongst adolescents.
“Queensland and the Northern Territory have also rolled out successful programs and it is time for NSW to match these commitments.”
‘Can’t place a cost on a life or a child’s future’
Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Karen Quick reinforces the urgent need for government action.
“You cannot place a cost on a life or our children’s future,” she says.
“86% of patients simply cannot afford this lifesaving Meningococcal B vaccination, the government can fix this, saving NSW children from death and lifelong disability.”
