The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has expressed strong support for a recent pledge by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to offer free vaccinations against meningococcal B, a potentially fatal infection. This commitment comes as Victoria has already reported 14 cases of meningococcal B this year, highlighting the urgent need for broader vaccine accessibility.
Meningococcal B infections can lead to severe health issues such as meningitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, or septicaemia, a form of blood poisoning. Both conditions can result in rapid death or cause significant disabilities, including brain damage and limb loss. The recent death of 16-year-old Levi Syer from this infection has intensified calls for action.
Current Vaccine Landscape and Advocacy
Currently, the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for children and young people. However, the vaccine for the B strain is not universally provided, often requiring families to pay between $110 and $150 per dose out-of-pocket. Both vaccines are recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, yet the financial burden remains a barrier for many families.
Dr. Anita Muñoz, Chair of RACGP Victoria, has lauded the Opposition’s commitment, emphasizing the critical difference such protection could make. “We’ve seen how much of a difference this protection makes just two months ago with the death of Levi Syer,” she stated. “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.”
Impact of Meningococcal B and the Case for Free Vaccines
The call for free vaccines is not new. RACGP Victoria has been advocating for free meningococcal B vaccines for those aged two and under and teenagers aged 15–19. The disease is known to kill about one in 10 patients and leaves up to 20% of survivors with permanent conditions such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
“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,” Dr. Muñoz explained.
The move by the Victorian Opposition is seen as a step towards aligning with other jurisdictions that have already made these vaccines free of charge. Dr. Muñoz added, “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.”
Looking Forward: Potential Outcomes and Next Steps
The commitment to provide free meningococcal B vaccines is a significant public health initiative that could lead to a reduction in the incidence of this deadly disease. By removing financial barriers, the policy aims to increase vaccination rates and prevent future tragedies similar to that of Levi Syer.
Experts argue that with the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, the goal should be to reduce meningococcal B deaths to zero. “We can and should get to zero deaths. We know how to do it, and we’ve sadly seen why we should,” Dr. Muñoz concluded.
The announcement by the Victorian Opposition is a promising development in public health policy, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow. As the conversation around vaccine accessibility continues, the focus will remain on ensuring that all young people receive the protection they need against meningococcal B.
