Free jabs rollout cuts kids meningococcal disease risk

THE meningococcal vaccination campaign has been the most successful mass immunisation program in the state’s history with almost 90,000 young Tasmanians receiving their free jab.

Public Health Services clinical director of communicable diseases Faline Howes at the meningococcal immunisation clinic at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in August. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE meningococcal vaccination campaign has been the most successful mass immunisation program in the state’s history with almost 90,000 young Tasmanians receiving their free jab.

The program, which came after the Mercury’sSave Our Kids campaign, has involved more than 70 per cent of children aged up to 17 receive their free meningococcal A, C, W and Y shot in just 11 weeks.

The campaign was prompted by the death of 16-year-old Sarah Rose Beltz from meningococcal disease in July.

Health Department figures reveal 82 per cent of under-20s in the area where most cases of the disease came from this year — Hobart’s northern suburbs — are now protected against four of the five meningococcal strains.

However, the take up dropped away dramatically for those aged 18 to 20.

Public Health Services is launching another push to try and have all eligible Tasmanians vaccinated against the deadly disease.

Less than a third of 20-year-olds have received their free, potentially lifesaving jab, Public Health Services clinical director of communicable diseases Faline Howes said.

Dr Howes also said only 39 per cent of 19-year-olds had got their vaccination, with 18-year-olds faring slightly better at 55 per cent. “It’s not just about protecting themselves — this is about ensuring the entire community is protected against a rare, but serious disease that can be deadly,” Dr Howes said.

“Teenagers are not only more susceptible to meningococcal disease, but are also more likely to carry it through the community.”

Dr Howes said free vaccines were still available and “every eligible Tasmanian should be making it a priority to get one”.

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

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said it had been a “remarkable team effort” so far by Public Health Services, GPs, pharmacists and councils across the state.

Vaccines are available from GPs and pharmacies, for children aged 10 and above.

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