The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called on the Western Australian Government to listen to the calls of families across the state and fund a life-saving Meningococcal B vaccination program.
It comes following Meningitis Centre Australia's Meningococcal B Memory Tree event today in which the Western Australian Opposition committed to a future Liberal Government funding a comprehensive vaccination program for Meningococcal B. More than 3,000 parents joined a letter-writing petition calling for free vaccinations.
RACGP Vice President and Western Australia Chair, Dr Ramya Raman, welcomed the Liberal's commitment to introduce the vaccination.
"Parents across Western Australia have spoken up and delivered a vital message – we want a free Meningococcal B vaccination program," she said.
"The RACGP is backing those calls for a free Meningococcal B vaccine for children two years and under and adolescents aged 15 to 19. We know that this vaccine is safe and effective – it's the best protection against this deadly disease. Making this vaccine free for kids and at-risk age groups will save lives.
"As things stand, Western Australia faces a huge gap in immunisation coverage against Meningococcal B, leaving babies, adolescents and young adults vulnerable to this preventable disease."
RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, echoed Dr Raman's calls.
"The Government should act now and roll-out a free vaccination program," he said.
"Australian parents shouldn't have to live in fear of their children suffering from this rare but deadly disease. Meningococcal disease can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death. The statistics show it kills five to 10% of patients and leaves 10 to 20% of survivors with brain damage, hearing loss, or a learning disability. The B strain is the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in children, adolescents, and young adults. It hits our vulnerable kids and young people the hardest.
"Many households are facing a cost-of-living crisis and having to make difficult decisions on the healthcare options they can afford. Families who choose to self-fund vaccinations face a prohibitive cost of up to $200 a dose. When you consider that children and teenagers need two doses, and babies three, you can see how this is simply out of reach for many families. South Australia's vaccination program cut Meningococcal B rates amongst children by 60%, and by 73% amongst adolescents. So, we know that this program will make a difference.
"We have a safe and effective vaccine for Meningococcal B – it's the best protection for kids and families; it just needs to be accessible for those most at risk and making it free will help ensure it is."
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