Protect WA kids from meningococcal B: RACGP

The meningococcal B vaccine must be made free for at-risk West Australians, says the RACGP, which is urging the WA Government to follow the lead of other states in rolling out free vaccinations for babies and teenagers.
 
Currently, the $140 cost for the MenB vaccine puts it out of reach of many parents, says RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman.
 
‘Out-of-pocket costs shouldn’t prevent parents from protecting their children,’ she said.
 
‘Breaking this cost barrier will get shots in arms.’
 
With the National Immunisation Program’s subsidised MenACWY vaccine only offering protection against the meningococcal A, C, W, and Y strains, meningococcal B accounts for more than 80% of cases.
 
In 2025, there were 13 cases and one death from the rare but potentially devastating disease, yet between December 2025 and January 2026, four cases have already been recorded.
 
Dr Raman said meningococcal disease is ‘most devastating’ for the at-risk groups of babies and children aged under two and teenagers aged 15–19.
 
‘We have seen in other states that meningococcal B vaccination programs significantly cut rates amongst children and adolescents,’ she said.
 
‘There is a solution available.’
 
The South Australian, Queensland, and Northern Territory governments have all rolled out free MenB vaccination programs, and the Tasmanian Government committed to providing the vaccine before its re-election last year.
 
‘Now is the time for Western Australia to follow their lead,’ Dr Raman said.
 
The RACGP has long called for the meningococcal B vaccine to be made free for at-risk groups, including backing a push from independent MPs in New South Wales for its rollout in that state.
 
Karen Quick, Chief Executive Officer of the Meningitis Centre Australia (MCA), is now backing the RACGP’s calls.
 
‘We know from a recent MCA survey of 22,000 parents that 98% of them say they want the MenB vaccine for their children, and 87% simply cannot afford to pay for it themselves,’ she said.
 
‘Protection of WA’s kids should not depend on your income or postcode.
 
‘MCA calls on the WA Government to level the playing field for all parents by making the lifesaving MenB vaccine free as it already is in other states.’
 
Meanwhile, in an effort to reduce strain on the state’s health system during the peak winter period, the WA Government launched its 2026 Winter Strategy on Tuesday.
 
The strategy includes the rollout of free influenza vaccines for people aged 12–64 who are not eligible under the National Immunisation Program, running from 1 May to 30 June.
 
Dr Raman welcomed the expanded access to vaccines, which also includes 130,000 doses of the FluMist nasal spray vaccine for children aged 2–11, available from mid-April to 31 July this year.
 
‘Removing cost barriers helps ensure more people are protected, particularly working families and younger adults who may otherwise delay vaccination,’ she said.
 
‘It’s a smart, equitable investment in public health.’
 
The strategy also includes support GPs and other health providers to deliver more vaccinations, funding for increased hospital bed capacity, and a 24/7 pilot to monitor older people following hospital discharge.
 
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