Victorian teenagers will soon have access to free meningococcal B vaccinations under a new state-funded program aimed at improving protection against the rare but potentially deadly disease.
The Victorian Government has announced the vaccine will be made available to Year 10 students from 1 January 2027 through school immunisation programs and participating healthcare providers.
Health Minister Harriet Shing said the government will invest more than $9 million into delivering the program, which is expected to reduce the financial burden on families currently accessing the vaccine privately.
At present, the meningococcal B vaccine is available through general practitioners but can cost families more than $250 out of pocket.
Under the new arrangement, eligible students will be able to receive the vaccine through schools, GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services and Aboriginal health services.
Health authorities have identified teenagers, particularly those in the Year 10 age group, as one of the populations at higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease. The rollout will also align with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine already provided to Year 10 students under the National Immunisation Program.
Meningococcal B is a bacterial infection that can progress rapidly and, in severe cases, lead to meningitis, bloodstream infections, long-term disability or death. Although infections remain relatively uncommon, public health experts continue to stress the importance of early vaccination because symptoms can escalate quickly.
Victoria’s move follows ongoing calls from health groups and advocacy organisations for broader access to meningococcal B vaccines nationally. While some Australian states have introduced funded programs for infants or targeted groups, the vaccine has not yet been fully included on the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program for all adolescents.
The Victorian Government says it will continue advocating for a national rollout through the federal scheme.
Shing said the program is intended to improve access to preventative healthcare while increasing immunisation coverage among teenagers.
“This free vaccination program will save lives and give parents the peace of mind that their teenager is protected from this awful disease,” she said.
“We’re continuing to advocate to the Commonwealth to consider adding this important vaccine to the NIP.”
She said the risks associated with meningococcal B underline the need for wider vaccine access.
“Meningococcal B can be devastating, which is why prevention through vaccination is so important,” she said.
Medical organisations have generally supported wider public access to the vaccine, although public health experts have also noted that meningococcal disease remains relatively rare in Australia compared with other vaccine-preventable illnesses. Discussions around national inclusion often involve considerations around cost-effectiveness, long-term uptake and public health priorities.
The Victorian rollout is expected to begin ahead of the 2027 school year, with further details on delivery and eligibility to be released closer to the start date.
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