The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering real results for Territorians on better health and the cost of living, with more than 15,000 young people now protected through the free meningococcal B vaccine program.
Of the 15,003 Territorians vaccinated, 9,290 were children aged between six weeks and two years and 5713 were adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years.
Speaking on 'Share a Cino with Skylar' Day held in memory of Skylar, aged two, who passed away from meningococcal B in 2017, Minister for Health Steve Edgington said demand has been strong, and was encouraging families to act now and access the free vaccine.
"I am proud to say on 'Share a Cino with Skylar' Day, this free vaccine will save lives and spare families from unimaginable heartbreak. Meningococcal B can change lives in an instant, with one in four survivors facing lifelong disabilities.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, this program gives families security and peace of mind - and I urge every eligible family to take up this free protection."
"The CLP Government Is continuing to deliver not only better health outcomes for Territorians but cost of living relief with this free vaccine program," Mr Edgington said.
Before this program, families were paying around $130-$180 per vaccine, with infants under two requiring three doses and adolescents needing two doses.
Darwin locals, Sally and Ash Lawrence were on their way back from a family holiday in Katherine with their three children when their daughter Skylar began to feel unwell with a fever. After finding a small rash on Skylar's body, she was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma. A few hours later, she passed away from meningococcal B.
Sally and Ash Lawrence launched the 'Share a Cino with Skylar' campaign to encourage other parents to get their children vaccinated against the rare, but serious disease.
Today (15 October) families are invited to Rays Café in Darwin to receive a free babycino, Skylar's favourite drink.
Sally Lawrence, mother of Skylar, said, "I can't believe it's been 8 years since we lost our darling Skylar. We are so relieved and grateful that the meningococcal B vaccine has become freely available for Territory kids."
"'Share a Cino with Skylar' is about remembering the lively, healthy girl that she was - a twin, sister and daughter. It's also about spreading the word about meningococcal B disease."
"It's great to see how successful the uptake of the meningococcal B vaccination program has been since it was rolled out, and we encourage families to continue to take up the free vaccine to protect their children against this deadly disease."
"Skylar loved babycinos, so if you're out sharing a coffee with friends, remember Skylar and book in to have your child vaccinated."
Between 2014 and 2025, 21 cases of meningococcal B were notified in the NT, resulting in four deaths.
The vaccine is available from schools, GPs, participating pharmacies, community health centres and remote health services.
Year 9 students have already received the vaccine as part of the school immunisation schedule in Terms 1 and 2, with a catch-up program offered to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Previously, the meningococcal B vaccination was only available for free under the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal children or children with specific medical conditions.
The CLP Government has invested $1 million to fund the program, including a two-year catch-up initiative, and committed an additional $500,000 annually to support ongoing vaccinations for infants and Year 9 students.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are eligible for the program until the end of 2026.
