Media Release from the Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro MLA and Shadow Health Minister, Bill Yan MLA:
Territory families will save hundreds of dollars while protecting their children from a deadly disease under a historic new immunisation program to be delivered by the CLP.
As part of its Plan to lower cost of living for Territorians, the CLP will make the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine free all infants under the age of two, and adolescents aged 15 to 19 years.
Currently, only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants or those with risk factors are eligible to receive this lifesaving vaccine under a Federal Government funded program.
“This is an historic announcement that could save Territory lives. Around 3,500 babies and 4,800 adolescents will be eligible for the free MenB vaccine under a CLP Government,” said Leader of the Opposition Lia Finocchiaro.
The CLP will allocate $1 million for the first two years of the program to include catch up vaccines for infants under 2 and adolescents aged 15-19 with $500,000 per year ongoing for infants 6 weeks to 12 months of age and Year 10 students aged 15-16 years old.
“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.
“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,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
Shadow Health Minister, Bill Yan, said meningococcal B is one of the most common strains that causes meningococcal disease.
“The meningococcal B strain can be fatal. It can also leave babies or adolescents who contract the disease with permanent and devastating disabilities,” he said.
“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.
“The CLP will make sure that no Territory family has to suffer the loss of a child or the lifelong disabilities that come with this entirely preventable disease.”
Sally Lawrence, who has been advocating for the vaccine roll out after her daughter Skylar died from the disease when she was 2 years old, was emotional at today’s announcement.
“We are so overwhelmed with a sense of relief that the MenB vaccine is finally being considered to be included on the vaccine schedule in the NT. It’s been 7 years (this October) since we lost our precious girl Skylar. Meningococcal B will always be part of our life and now knowing that all families will have access to the vaccine for free is a great peace of mind for us knowing that all precious babies will have protection in the NT,” said Mrs Lawrence.
CEO of Meningitis Centre Australia, Karen Quick, also welcomed the CLP’s commitment after receiving a letter from Chief Minister Eva Lawler rejecting the NT-wide vaccination program.
“We congratulate Lia Finocchiaro, Bill Yan and the CLP for taking the time to listen to the parents of the NT, learning about Meningococcal B and its significant impacts, and then having the vison and urgency to want to protect every child in the NT immediately from this horrendous disease that can kill within 24 hours,” she said.
“With the quarter of Meningococcal patients who are left with lifetime disabilities costing on average $10 million per patient in ongoing treatment, care and support costs, it is obvious that the MenB vaccination is not only effective, but will save the NT government money.
“This is a game changer, and will make a significant impact in saving lives and disability of our precious Northern Territory children.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said Eva Lawler’s decision showed Labor had their priorities all wrong.
“Eva Lawler and Labor are happy to spend $34 million on consultancies, but can’t find the money to save Territory children from this insidious disease,” she said.
Meningococcal B is passed on through sneezing, coughing, and saliva. Although most who carry the germ don’t get sick they can spread it to others who, if infected, may become very unwell very quickly with babies and teenagers most at risk.
The CLP’s immunisation rollout will begin as soon as possible and would see the Northern Territory join only South Australia and Queensland who offer the MenB vaccine for free for infants and adolescents.
-END-
