Ahead of the upcoming state election, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called on all Tasmanian political parties to match the Tasmanian Liberals' announcement of free meningococcal B vaccinations for at risk babies and toddlers.
On Sunday, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff promised that a re-elected Liberal Government would make meningococcal B vaccines free of charge for all infants aged six weeks to 12 months as well as a free "catch-up" immunisation for children over 12 months and under two years old.
RACGP Tasmania Chair Toby Gardner called for all political parties to unite behind a vital public health measure.
"We're throwing our support behind Sunday's announcement, and for good reason – this is an infection that takes young lives," he said.
"Now, we call on all the state's political parties to match the commitment. This year alone, we've already seen two meningococcal B cases in Tasmania, and we never know when and where it will strike next. This is a relatively rare infection, but it can be deadly, and those who survive can be left with severe effects including brain damage, scarring and loss of limbs."
Dr Gardner said the timing couldn't be better to give Tasmanian families a helping hand.
"For an investment of just $1 million a year, we can save the lives of young people, including babies and toddlers," he said.
"For those not covered by the National Immunisation Program, or NIP, vaccinating children can cost families hundreds of dollars. During a cost-of-living crisis, this is something that many simply can't afford. It's time for Tasmania to catch up to other jurisdictions including South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, which all have free infant meningococcal B vaccine programs in place.
"The RACGP will also continue fighting for the meningococcal B vaccine to be made free for adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, who are also at higher risk. That's not only in Tasmania, but across Australia, because this infection doesn't discriminate. Only then can we say we're doing all we can to keep young people safe, it's time for action."
