Meningococcal B vaccine rollout starts early
Queensland's rollout of free Meningococcal B vaccines for infants and older teenagers is underway early. The Federal Government should follow Queensland's lead and add the B strain vaccine to the National Immunisation Program so all young Australians are protected.
AMA Queensland has welcomed news the free rollout of Meningococcal B vaccine for infants and older teenagers has started a month ahead of schedule.
“AMA Queensland has been calling for the meningococcal B vaccine to be added to the National Immunisation Program since 2017,” AMA Queensland President Dr Maria Boulton said.
“This has also been the recommendation of the federal government’s expert advisory body on immunisations, ATAGI.
“The Federal Government has not acted but the Queensland Government last year announced it would make the vaccine free for infants and older children from 2024.
The vaccine has been available for all Queensland School Immunisation Program providers since early January 2024 and some clinics have already commenced.
“Queensland Health has advised us it has secured enough vaccine stock to commence the full rollout a month earlier than planned.
“We commend the Queensland government for taking action. It is an anomaly that vaccines for the A, C, W and Y strains are available free but the B strain vaccine is not.
“The private cost of this vaccine and boosters can be a large out-of-pocket cost for parents at a time when cost of living is skyrocketing.
“We call on the Federal Government to take note and add the B strain vaccine to the National Immunisation Program so all young Australians are protected from this disease.”
