Territory parents encouraged to take up free meningococcal B vaccination
The parents of a little girl who died from a preventable disease have welcomed its vaccine being made free for some Territorians: ‘we never had this opportunity’.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The parents of a little girl who died from a preventable disease have welcomed its vaccine being made free for some Territorians: “we never had this opportunity”.
Hundreds have already taken advantage of the CLP’s free meningococcal B vaccination program, which provides protection for infants aged six weeks to two years, and teens aged 14 to 19 years.
Previously only free to Indigenous children and those with certain medical conditions, the Territory is now one of the only jurisdictions in the country making it available to all.
NT chief health officer Christine Connors said the vaccine would be incorporated into routine immunisation schedules for babies and year 9 students to maximise uptake.
“Meningococcal B is a very rare disease, but it’s devastating in its consequences,” she said.
“Over the last 10 years, we’ve had 20 cases, and of those, four people died.”
Dr Connors said childhood vaccination rates had dropped in recent years, both in the NT and around the world.
“We think this is relating to vaccine hesitancy and a lot of disinformation that was spread during the pandemic.
“One of the things with the (meningococcal) vaccines is it doesn’t matter how many people in the community are vaccinated – you don’t go for herd immunity, you literally need personal immunity. So you do want to make sure that your child is protected.”
Ash and Sally Lawrence, who tragically lost their daughter Skylar to meningococcal B, said the program was testament to the power of advocacy and perseverance.
“Since losing Skylar, my family has worked tirelessly to prevent others from experiencing the same heartbreak,” Ms Lawrence said.
“Knowing this vaccine is now freely available to all Territory children is a huge relief. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here.”
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said “access to quality healthcare is so important for the territory, and we’re one of the leaders in the nation now in having free meningococcal B vaccinations”.
“We’re really proud to be able to deliver this to help protect Territorians, and to ease cost of living pressures for parents.”
Residents threatened with frying pan during home invasion
A youth has been arrested in connection to a truck theft which took place a month ago in the Red Centre, after he allegedly threatened two elderly Tennant Creek residents with frying pan during a home invasion, police say.
‘Unacceptable’: Security guard assaulted in servo station attack
A Katherine service station has been targeted twice in less than 48 hours, with a 72-year old security guard injured while trying to protect the roadside stop.