CHO Dr John Gerrard calls on Qld teens to get meningococcal B jab as free rollout begins

Queensland’s top doctor has warned young Queenslanders of a “frightening” insidious deadly disease that strikes without warning, as a free vaccine is rolled out for an age group particularly at risk.

Queensland’s top doctor has issued an impassioned plea for the young and healthy to get vaccinated against meningococcal B, warning the insidious deadly disease strikes without warning.

The warning came as the state government rolled out a landmark free vaccination program to cover children under two and teenagers aged 15 to 19 against meningococcal B.

Nearly half a million doses of the vaccine has been rolled out to providers, including pharmacies and doctors as of March 1. An in-reach program to high schools will also be rolled out across the state.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said meningococcal strikes down “young, healthy people without warning”.

“It is frightening. It often starts as a very mild nondescript disease and then within a few hours progresses to a very severe life-threatening illness,” he said.

“I’ve seen young people die, I’ve seen families devastated and I’ve seen the careers of doctors destroyed by this terrible disease because it’s difficult to recognise early even though we have effective treatments in the form of antibiotics.

“Vaccination really is the answer.”

Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture, John Gass

There are several strains of meningococcal, with an existing vaccination program already covering the A, C, W, and Y types.

Outside of the government’s meningococcal B vaccination drive, the jab costs more than $100 — putting it out of reach for many families. Doctors had warned of an alarming decline in people requesting coverage.

Under the new program – similar to the one that has run in South Australia since 2018 – almost half a million children will be eligible.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the state government would continue to advocate for the federal government to make the meningococcal B vaccine available through the national immunisation program.

Queensland decided to go it alone, as it has on the flu jab in recent years, after a lack of movement from federal counterparts.

“The health of Queenslanders is our top priority and this investment will ensure nearly half a million infants, children and adolescents will be eligible to receive the MenB vaccine this year for free,” Ms Fentiman said.

“I would like to thank the brave parents who tirelessly advocated for this program after experiencing unimaginable loss.

“Their courage and determination have directly resulted in this lifesaving initiative.”