The Allan Labor Government is making healthcare cheaper and giving families peace of mind.
Victorian teenagers will soon be protected from the rare but life-threatening disease, meningococcal B.
Minister for Health Harriet Shing today announced the free vaccine will be made available to year 10 students from 1 January 2027.
While the vaccine is already available privately through GPs, it comes at a cost of more than $250 out of pocket.
That's why Labor is investing more than $9 million to support the delivery of the vaccine.
It will be available through existing school immunisation programs via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services, and Aboriginal health services.
Year 10 students (or age equivalent) have been found to be one of the highest risk groups of contracting the disease.
It also aligns with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine given to Year 10s under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule.
The state-funded meningococcal B vaccination program will help lift immunisation coverage.
Victoria continues to advocate to the Commonwealth Government to add a full listing of the vaccine on the NIP.
Meningococcal B can make people critically unwell very quickly and can tragically lead to long-term disability or death.
As stated by Minister for Health Harriet Shing
"This free vaccination program will save lives and give parents the peace of mind that their teenager is protected from this awful disease."
"We're continuing to advocate to the Commonwealth to consider adding this important vaccine to the NIP."
"Meningococcal B can be devastating, which is why prevention through vaccination is so important."
