Federal MPs join calls for meningococcal B vaccine to be listed on the PBS
INDEPENDENT federal MP Andrew Wilkie has backed calls to make the meningococcal B vaccine more accessible, saying it costs about $1000 to protect a family of three.
Tasmania
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INDEPENDENT federal MP Andrew Wilkie is backing calls to make the meningococcal B vaccine more accessible, saying it costs about $1000 to protect a family of three.
Mr Wilkie yesterday told the Mercury the price tag on the potentially lifesaving vaccine was “completely out of reach” for many Tasmanian families.
“This treatment is so important that it should be available free for all members of the community and not just for some age groups or the very wealthy,” Mr Wilkie said.
“To put the current situation in perspective, parents with only a single child are currently out of pocket near-on $1000 for both vaccines, the B strain booster and the associated GP appointments if the three of them are to be fully immunised against meningococcal.
“The Federal Government should pay for both the B and the ACWY vaccines so that everyone, regardless of age, can access them.”
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As it stands, no new medicine can be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme unless the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee makes a positive recommendation.
It is understood that the PBAC has not yet been satisfied with the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero as part of a population-wide program.
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten this week wrote to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull asking that he urgently improve access to the vaccine, after first requesting changes be made to the national immunisation program in 2016.
“Labor remains ready to work with you in a co-operative and supportive way to ensure young Australians have access to this important vaccine.” he wrote in the letter, co-signed by health spokeswoman Catherine King.
“Your urgent advice is sought about what consideration is being given for the meningococcal B vaccine through the National Immunisation Program and in the meantime, what action is being taken to assist state and territory governments in providing access to this vaccine.”
Mr Shorten also mentioned the recent death of Hobart meningococcal victim Sarah Rose Beltz in the letter but it remains unknown what strain of the disease the teen had.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends all infants and young children, particularly those under two, have a meningococcal B vaccine.
Federal member for Franklin Julie Collins said the “devastating disease” had already had a significant impact on the Tasmanian community. “Young Tasmanians should have access to this life saving vaccination,” she said.
“This is an important public health priority for any Government and Labor calls on the Prime Minister to explain to Tasmanian parents and families how he will help protect our children from meningococcal.”
Since last year, 60,000 South Australian schoolchildren in years 10, 11 and 12 have been provided a free meningococcal B vaccine as part of a study led by the University of Adelaide.
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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has encouraged the company behind Bexsero to resubmit more evidence, saying he will move to list the vaccine if it receives a positive recommendation.
“Mr Shorten has become so desperate that he is proposing the Commonwealth undertake something which is illegal,” a spokesman for Mr Hunt said.
“We can guarantee that unlike Labor, if the medical experts recommend not just meningococcal B vaccine but any medicine or vaccine, we will list it.
“At the moment this vaccine is subject to trials and once completed will be presented to the medical experts to review and make a recommendation to government.”
For more information, go to www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth
Meningococcal Disease Signs and Symptoms
MENINGOCOCCAL SEPTICAEMIA:
• Shivering, chills, cold hands or feet, skin colour change
• Sudden, severe pain in arms, legs, joints and stomach
• Fever, thirst, nausea, vomiting, maybe diarrhoea
• Drowsiness, loss of consciousness, rapid breathing
• Spots or pinprick rash (develops to purple blotches)
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS:
• Severe headache
• Stiff or painful neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness, loss of consciousness, convulsions
• A rash may develop in the later stages
FOR BABIES — ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
• Refusing to feed
• Shrill or moaning cry
• Blank and staring expression
• Being floppy or lethargic
• Arching of the body or neck
• Tense or bulging fontanelle (the soft spot of a baby’s head)
Source: Meningococcal Australia
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