Disease jabs unaffected by Hunt plan

THE State Government will push ahead with its meningococcal vaccination program as the Federal Government announces it will roll out free immunisations for teens next year.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce the meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine will be added to the National Immunisation Program from April 2019.

The Federal Government will pay for the vaccination to be given to students aged 14-16 under a school-based program, while people aged 15-19 who have not been immunised will be able to receive the vaccine through an ongoing GP catchup scheme.

The State Government already provides a free meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine to people aged six weeks to 21 years and will continue to do so following Mr Hunt’s $52 million announcement.

“This will not impact Tasmania’s current meningococcal ACWY vaccination program,” a Public Health Services spokesman said.

“Anyone aged between six weeks and 21 years (born after 1 August, 1997) is eligible for a free meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

“These are available from GPs, participating pharmacists for people aged 10 and above, local council vaccination clinics and scheduled public clinics.

“Anyone in this age group should ensure they receive this vaccine.”

Meningococcal disease notifications and deaths are on the rise in Australia. There were 382 cases and 28 deaths reported last year compared with 182 cases and 12 deaths in 2015.

Nine Tasmanians have been diagnosed with the disease this year and a 16-yearold Hobart girl died from the disease in July.

A meningococcal B vaccination is available but not supplied by the state or federal government.