Meningococcal B vaccine free for Qld children, adolescents

More Queenslanders will now have access to free meningococcal vaccinations without a doctors appointment in a statewide vaccination rollout. WHO’S ELIGIBLE

More Queenslanders will have access to free meningococcal vaccinations without a doctor’s appointment as the number of pharmacies in a statewide vaccination program expands.

About two-thirds of the state’s community pharmacies have now registered to be part of the national immunisation program, administering critical vaccinations to Queenslanders.

The program allows eligible people to access free immunisations at registered pharmacies with no out-of-pocket expense.

Those eligible for the meningococcal vaccine include infants, children and adolescents.

Since the start of the program, more than 623,000 vaccines have been administered by participating pharmacists.

The most commonly accessed vaccines so far have been for influenza pertussis (whooping cough) and shingles.

As the state recorded 2732 people diagnosed with influenza in the last week, 357 were aged 65 years of more, and 162 people were hospitalised.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said that with more pharmacies now participating, more Queenslanders could access lifesaving vaccines more easily and closer to home.

The uptake in vaccinations by pharmacies means more meningococcal B (MenB) vaccinations available for children without having to book a doctor’s appointment.

Ms Fentiman said the program was another way the Commonwealth and state governments were working together to increase access to primary healthcare services.

“Everyday, more Queensland pharmacies are signing up to take part in this successful program and we expect that most of the 1300 community pharmacies in Queensland will ultimately participate in the program,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We’ve had positive feedback from participating pharmacists and it’s great to see the swift uptake from Queenslanders. with over 300,000 vaccines administered so far.”

Vaccines for whooping cough, shingles, HPV, measles, influenza, meningococcal ACWY, meningococcal B and pneumococcal are available through the program.

To access vaccinations through participating pharmacies, visit www.healthdirect.gov.au.