‘Three-fold challenge’: Immunisation Foundation of Australia warns deadly Pneumococcal disease hits 20-year high

A leading health advocacy group is warning parents a disease that can be fatal to babies and small children has just hit a 20-year high.

A fatal disease that can strike down babies and little children has soared to a 20-year high in Australia, a leading health advocacy group has warned.

Immunisation Foundation of Australia on Monday said cases of the invasive pneumococcal disease – a life-threatening bacterial infection that attacks the lungs, brain and bloodstream – had hit 4500 since early 2023, marking a 20-year-high.

Invasive pneumococcal is a leading cause of death and serious illness among children, the IFA said, and the infection can prove deadly within a matter of hours or days.

Pneumococcal meningitis claims the lives of one-in-twelve children with the disease.

The dangerous pneumococcal disease can be fatal to babies and children. Picture: CDC

Pediatrician and infectious disease researcher Professor Peter Richmond said declining rates of vaccination, evolving pneumococcal strains and antibiotic resistance had likely propelled the increase in numbers.

“The challenge is three-fold,” Professor Richmond said.

“We’re seeing a drop in vaccine coverage alongside emerging strains of the bacterium and antibiotic resistance.

“It’s important to recognise that effective pneumococcal vaccination helps prevent antibiotic resistant infections,” he said.

Childhood vaccination rates fell slightly from 93.3 per cent in 2022 to 92.8 per cent in 2023 for 12-month-old infants, the IFA said, leaving more children unprotected against the disease.

The IFA has launched a “prioritise pneumococcal protection” campaign, supported by MSD Australia, to press the federal government to roll out a newer, broader-coverage pneumococcal vaccines.

“Newer pneumococcal immunisations protect against more strains than the vaccines currently available but a funding decision is mired in bureaucratic red tape,” said Catherine Hughes AM, Founder and Director of IFA founder and director Catherine Hughes AM said on Monday.

“New generation vaccines need to be rolled out through the National Immunisation Program without further delay.

“We simply can’t risk not having the best available pneumococcal protection.

Baby Mabel Olive Airi Goya lost her life to pneumococcal meningitis at just six-and-a-half months of age. Picture: Mabel Olive Airi Foundation

Mabel’s parents said their child would continue to live on in their memories and through her story. Picture: Mabel Olive Airi Foundation

“Invasive pneumococcal disease can cause permanent disability and even death. We have the tools to make a difference, and now is the time to ensure Australians at greatest risk of infection are protected,” Ms Hughes said.

The IFA says the newer vaccine might have saved the life of baby girl Mabel, who lost her life at six-and-a-half months to the disease, by covering the strain that hit the little girl.

Parents Carly and John lost their little one in September 2021, as Mabel’s condition deteriorated over a hellish week at the hospital.

“I would do absolutely anything to take Mabel’s place. But I can’t,” Mabel’s mum Carly wrote in a heartbreaking tribute.

“So raising awareness of pneumococcal disease among hospital staff, GPs and the public is something I have to do.

“Mabel will continue to live on, not only in our memories, but in how her story will and must help others.”

Originally published as ‘Three-fold challenge’: Immunisation Foundation of Australia warns deadly Pneumococcal disease hits 20-year high