The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is calling on the NSW Government to urgently fund meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines as part of the state's routine immunisation program, warning that current arrangements leave children and young people at unnecessary risk.
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and be fatal within hours, even in otherwise healthy children. Survivors can face lifelong complications.
Despite this, families in NSW must generally pay around $140 for each MenB vaccination, creating barriers to protection during a cost‑of‑living crisis.
RACGP NSW Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said protecting children should not depend on a family's income or postcode.
"From a child‑safety perspective, this is a gap we can't ignore," she said.
"GPs see how suddenly meningococcal disease strikes and how devastating the consequences can be. No child should miss out on protection against a preventable disease because their parents can't afford it.
"Equitable access to vaccination is critical for closing gaps in health outcomes.
"Funding MenB through a public program will provide certainty for families and support GPs to protect children, wherever they live."
The RACGP recently welcomed Victoria's decision to make MenB vaccines publicly funded, reducing inequity and improving uptake.
The RACGP is urging NSW to do the same as a matter of child safety, equity and public health.
"Vaccination saves lives," Dr Hoffman said.
"Patients in New South Wales deserve a strong response, as we've seen in Queensland, South Australia, the NT, and recently, Victoria. We've delayed free MenB vaccination for too long already.
"Funding MenB vaccines is a practical, preventive step that will protect children, reduce hospitalisations, and give families peace of mind across NSW."
The RACGP stands ready to work with the NSW Government to strengthen the state's immunisation program and ensure all children have access to this critical protection.
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