General practitioners in Tasmania are calling for an expansion of the Meningococcal B vaccination program to include more at-risk groups. The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has urged the Tasmanian Government to follow the example of other Australian states and territories by providing free vaccines for children aged two and under, as well as adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19.
This renewed appeal comes in light of the tragic passing of 16-year-old Levi Syer, which has heightened the urgency for vaccination. The Tasmanian Government has already committed to making the Meningococcal B vaccine free for infants from six weeks to 12 months old, along with free catch-up immunisation for children over 12 months and under two years old.
Despite these steps, Dr. Toby Gardner, Chair of RACGP Tasmania, emphasizes that further action is essential. “We must act; young lives are at risk,” he stated. The current vaccination initiatives leave a considerable gap, particularly for adolescents who are also vulnerable to this severe bacterial infection.
Comparison with Other Regions
Dr. Gardner pointed out that other regions, including South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, have already rolled out funding programs for free vaccinations targeting children and teenagers. Additionally, the Western Australian Opposition has made similar commitments. “It’s time for Tasmania to catch up,” he said.
Meningococcal B is a serious infection that can rapidly affect healthy teenagers. Without increased vaccination rates, young people face the risk of untimely deaths. “If we don’t act to boost vaccination rates, young people with their whole lives ahead of them will succumb to untimely deaths, and we can’t let that happen,” Dr. Gardner warned.
Financial Burden on Families
The financial implications for families are significant, particularly as many households are currently grappling with high cost-of-living pressures. The price of the Meningococcal B vaccine ranges from $110 to $135 per dose, with two or three doses required depending on the recipient’s age. Dr. Gardner advocates for making the vaccine free for at-risk groups to alleviate this burden.
“By ensuring the Meningococcal B vaccine is free of charge for at-risk groups across our state, we can save lives,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of taking the infection seriously, noting that it kills between 5% to 10% of patients, and for survivors, 10% to 20% may experience long-term complications such as brain damage or hearing loss.
Dr. Gardner concluded with a call to action, stressing the importance of initiating a free vaccination program. He stated, “One young life lost is too many. We must act now, particularly since we have a safe and effective vaccine available.” With the right political will, he believes more families can access these potentially lifesaving vaccinations, ultimately saving precious young lives across Tasmania.
