The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is calling on the New South Wales government to protect families by providing the life-saving Meningococcal B vaccine for at-risk groups.
Meningococcal B is a rare but devastating disease, which can progress quickly and lead to death or disability. The RACGP is calling on the New South Wales government to make it free for key at-risk groups.
To ensure more people in NSW are protected from the potentially deadly infection, the RACGP recommends free Meningococcal B vaccines for every child aged two and under and every teen aged 15 to 19-years-old.
Stacey Chater and her family were left devastated in 2022 when Meningococcal B suddenly and rapidly claimed the life of her 23-year-old son Brayden.
She said: "My son Brayden was the perfect example of the typical young Aussie bloke, he loved his family and his mates, he kept fit, and he was full of life.
"He had a fever and a sniffle one night and 24 hours later we were at the hospital being told he was gone. I can't explain the shock and disbelief. Meningococcal B is so quick and aggressive and so hard to know that you have it. Our family has been struggling for two years, and my doctor has diagnosed me with PTSD
"Like most people, I never knew that there was a strain of meningococcal that my children weren't vaccinated against, I assumed that they were covered by the vaccines they received at school.
"Financial burden is preventing Australians from being able to get the Meningococcal B vaccine.
"This is a devastating, traumatic disease that can be prevented. No other family should have to go through the journey we have been on, access to free vaccines would be life changing for families in NSW."
RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said: "We can dramatically reduce the deaths and disability related to Meningococcal B. Effective vaccines are available, now it is up to the government to ensure free access to all at-risk Australians.
"Meningococcal B is rare, but deadly. Statistics show it kills 5 to 10% of patients and leaves 10 to 20% of survivors with brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability.
"This virus is most devastating for vulnerable kids and young people, and out-of-pocket costs shouldn't prevent any parents in NSW from protecting their children.
"Prevention is the best solution, and effective vaccines are one of the most important tools we have for keeping our people safe from deadly infections such as these.
"In South Australia, the Meningococcal B vaccination program cut rates amongst children by 60%, and by 73% amongst adolescents. Queensland and the Northen Territory have also rolled out successful programs and it is time for NSW to match these commitments."
Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Karen said: "You cannot place a cost on a life or our children's future. 86% of patients simply cannot afford this lifesaving Meningococcal B vaccination, the government can fix this, saving NSW children from death and lifelong disability."
