The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has celebrated the Tasmanian Liberals' announcement of a free meningococcal B vaccination program today.
Today, the Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a re-elected Tasmanian Liberal Government will make meningococcal B vaccines free for all Tasmanian infants from six weeks to 12 months old and free catch-up immunisation for children over 12 months and under two years old.
RACGP Tasmania has previously called for a lifesaving program to provide free Meningococcal B vaccinations to babies, as well as the other key vulnerable group, adolescents.
RACGP Tasmania Chair Toby Gardner said: "This is a very smart and welcome announcement, and it's particularly timely given we've already seen two meningococcal B cases in Tasmania this year.
"Meningococcal B is a rare infection, but it can be deadly or leave people with severe scarring, loss of limbs, and brain damage.
"Vaccines provide effective protection against this deadly disease, and Tasmanians at risk deserve to have this protection free of charge.
"It's also a smart financial investment for our government and health system. Meningitis Centre Australia estimates that every case of meningococcal infection prevented can save the health system around $10 million over a person's lifetime. That's similar to overseas estimates.
"Yet we estimated it'd cost just $1 million per year to provide free meningococcal B vaccines to Tasmanian babies and adolescents.
"Free meningococcal B vaccination has previously been recommended by the Tasmanian Coroner, too.
"The announcement is a fantastic start that'll keep vulnerable babies safe from a deadly disease. It also brings Tasmania into line with South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, which all have free meningococcal B vaccine programs in place for infants.
"We hope all political parties will throw their support behind free meningococcal B vaccination and help protect all Tasmanians most at risk.
"We'll continue advocating for the meningococcal B vaccine to be made free for adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old, who are also at higher risk."
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