The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed a commitment from the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to provide free vaccinations against deadly meningococcal B infections.
Meningococcal B infections can cause meningitis (brain inflammation) or septicaemia (blood poisoning) resulting in rapid death or disability including brain damage and limb loss. Victoria has recorded 14 cases of meningococcal B this year.
RACGP Victoria again called for the State Government to match other jurisdictions by providing free vaccines to at-risk groups following the passing of 16-year-old Levi Syer, who died shortly after developing symptoms of the deadly bacterial infection.
While the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for all children and young people, the vaccine against the B strain is not provided for all children and for most requires an out-of-pocket payment of $110–150 per dose. Both are recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
RACGP Vicotria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz praised the commitment from the Opposition.
"We've seen how much of a difference this protection makes just two months ago with the death of Levi Syer," she said.
"Meningitis isn't predictable, but it is preventable through vaccination. It shouldn't be on families to ensure they're protected against all strains – that's why we've got a health system.
"Levi died about a day after he first fell ill. That's shockingly common for meningococcal B infections. Making the MenB vaccine accessible for all Victorians will save young lives.
"Our children and young people deserve better. Other jurisdictions have provided this protection free of charge, but Victorians have to seek it out and pay out of pocket."
Free meningococcal B vaccines for those aged two and under and every teen aged 15–19 has been part of the RACGP's longstanding advocacy.
"This disease kills about one in 10 patients and leaves up to 20% of those who survive with permanent brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability," Dr Muñoz said.
"Since the MenC and then MenACWY vaccines were introduced, meningococcal B has become the leading cause of meningococcal disease, accounting for 83% of cases. Yet we've got a safe and effective MenB vaccine.
"We can and should get to zero deaths. We know how to do it, and we've sadly seen why we should."
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