The CLP is delivering on another election commitment, with the free meningococcal B vaccine program rolling out from 1 January 2025.
For the first time, the meningococcal B vaccine will be free for all infants under the age of 2, and adolescents aged 14 to 19 years.
Previously, the meningococcal B vaccination was only available for free under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Immunisation Scheme for Aboriginal children, or those children with specific medical conditions that put them at risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
The CLP’s new program means about 4,200 babies and 18,500 adolescents will be eligible for the free vaccine.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Minister for Health Steve Edgington made the announcement at the launch of the annual “Share A Cino With Skylar” campaign today.
The campaign honours the favourite drink of Darwin baby girl, Skylar Lawrence, who tragically died from the disease in 2017.
Mrs Finocchiaro said: “Territorians are currently paying around $200 per MenB vaccine with babies under two requiring three doses and adolescents needing two doses.”
“That’s $600 per baby and $400 per teenager, which majority of families simply can’t afford,” she said.
“Our free MenB Vaccination Program is part of the CLP’s plan to lower the cost of living for Territory families. It will remove financial barriers, increase vaccine uptake, and provide protection against the deadly meningococcal disease.”
As part of the CLP’s new vaccination program:
Meningococcal B will be added to the baby immunisation schedule from January 2025, making it free for infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months;A free school-based meningococcal B program will start from January 2025 providing the vaccine to Year 9 students, aged 14-15 years old;A catch up vaccination program will be undertaken for children under two years and adolescents aged 15-19 years;Work will be undertaken to expand the meningococcal B program beyond GPs to include pharmacies, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.
Skylar’s mother, Sally, said this year’s campaign would be extra special knowing their advocacy efforts had finally paid off.
“Share A Cino With Skylar was launched in January 2018 to raise awareness of this invasive disease meningococcal B,” she said.
“Skylar turned into our star on the 15th of October 2017 and we want to continue to raise awareness of this invasive disease, while families/children have a babycino in her memory.
“It’s a great since of relief for our family, knowing that all NT families will finally have access to this free program and we thank the Chief Minister for her ongoing commitment to making this program a reality.”
Mr Edgington said: “The meningococcal B strain can be fatal and leave babies or adolescents who contract the disease with permanent and devastating disabilities.”
“In the Territory, there have been 18 cases of meningococcal B in the last 10 years and three deaths in the last five years while one-in-four Territorians who get meningococcal B will end up with a lifelong disability,” he said.
NT Health will work with the Department of Education to progress and implement the school immunisation program, and work with pharmacies to expand access to the program beyond GPs.
As part of the Share A Cino With Skylar campaign, babycinos will be free on Tuesday 15 October, the anniversary of Skylar’s death, at Ray’s Cafe and Sweet Brew.
