State Member for Northern Victoria and Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes announced on Tuesday, May 12 that the free vaccines would be made available to Year 10 students across northern Victoria from January 1, 2027.
Year 10 students, or age equivalent, have been found to be one of the highest risk groups in terms of contracting the disease.
“We’re making it easier and cheaper for parents to keep their kids healthy and safe with the rollout of our free meningococcal B vaccination program for Year 10s,” Ms Symes said.
While the meningococcal B vaccine is currently available privately through GPs, at a cost of about $250 out-of-pocket, it will be available next year through existing school immunisation programs.
This free program is to be delivered via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services and Aboriginal health services.
The delivery also aligns with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine given to Year 10s under the National Immunisation Program schedule.
With the contraction of the disease resulting in critical symptoms, which can lead to long-term disability or death, Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing said the state government would continue to call on the Commonwealth Government to add a full listing of the vaccine to the National Immunisation Program.
“This free vaccination program will save lives and give parents the peace of mind that their teenager is protected from this awful disease,” Ms Shing said.
“We’re continuing to advocate to the Commonwealth to consider adding this important vaccine to the NIP.
“Meningococcal B can be devastating, which is why prevention through vaccination is so important.”
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