GPs and MPs call for boost to meningococcal B vaccination

The RACGP has supported calls from 10 independent New South Wales MPs who are urging the State Government to do more to boost meningococcal B vaccination rates among at-risk patient groups. 
 
All 10 Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly in NSW co-signed a letter to the state’s Premier and Government, including Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr who has worked in emergency medicine and healthcare management.
 
‘As a physician, I know of the great harm that meningococcal disease can cause – harm that could be eliminated if effective vaccination and education programs are readily available,’ he said.
 
‘Other State Governments have led the way in this field, and it is now time for the NSW Government to play its part in protecting the community by improving access to vaccination programs against this dangerous illness.’
 
The appeal comes after the RACGP called on the NSW Government to provide free meningococcal B vaccines to at-risk groups, including children aged two and under, and every teen aged 15–19 years old.  
 
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the move will save lives across the state from the ‘rare but devastating disease’ which can progress quickly and lead to death or disability.
 
‘Other governments have already acted to help protect families by rolling out vaccination funding programs, including South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, as well as a commitment from the Western Australian Opposition,’ she said.
 
‘South Australia’s meningococcal B vaccination program cut rates amongst children by 60%, and by 73% amongst adolescents.  
 
‘We have an effective vaccine, but we must do more to boost vaccination rates during a cost-of-living crisis. There’s never been a more important time to ensure free access to all at-risk patients.’
 
Nationwide, a meningococcal B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged two months, four months, six months and 12 months, and patients aged two months or older with certain medical conditions.

Access to a meningococcal ACWY vaccine is much broader, with a vaccination free under the NIP for children aged 12 months, adolescents aged 14–16 years, and patients aged two months or older with certain medical conditions.
 
Dr Hoffman says more needs to be done.
 
‘This is a disease that must be taken seriously, with statistics showing it kills 5–10% of patients and leaves 10–20% of those who survive with brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability. What is particularly disturbing is that this virus is most devastating for vulnerable kids and young people,’ she said.
 
‘Prevention, rather than treatment in hospital, is the best solution for saving lives from meningococcal B. 
 
‘By providing this vaccine for free to certain patient groups we can keep people as safe as possible from harm. There’s no need for delay, let’s save precious lives at risk.’
 
A NSW Health spokesperson previously told newsGP the department continues to ‘closely monitor the pattern of meningococcal B disease in NSW and respond based on the best available evidence’.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

meningococcal B public health vaccines