State to fund free meningococcal B jabs

YEAR 10 students will receive free meningococcal B vaccinations from 2027, removing a $250 out-of-pocket cost currently borne by families.

The $9 million state-funded program, announced on Monday, targets 15 and 16-year-olds, who are among the groups most at risk of contracting the bacterial infection.

While vaccines for the A, C, W and Y strains are already federally funded, the B strain has remained a private expense for most Victorians.

The disease is rare but progresses rapidly, often leading to permanent disability or death within 24 to 36 hours of the first symptoms appearing.

Four cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in Victoria already this year, with 18 cases reported in the past 12 months.

Health minister Harriet Shing said the state would cover the cost through the school immunisation program, while continuing to lobby the Australian government to add the strain to the national immunisation program.

“Meningococcal B can be devastating, which is why prevention through vaccination is so important,” she said.

“This free vaccination program will save lives and give parents the peace of mind that their teenager is protected from this awful disease.”

The vaccine will be made available from 1 January and will be available through existing school immunisation programs via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services and Aboriginal health services.