Introduction of Meningococcal vaccination program

Wednesday July 04, 2018

Published by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell MP

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell MP welcomes the news that the State Liberal government will introduce a Meningococcal vaccination program.

This year 13 cases of meningococcal have been diagnosed in South Australia, with 12 of these cases being meningococcal b strain.

On the 30th May 2018 the Member for Mount Gambier, Troy Bell MP introduced the following motion into Parliament:-

That this house—

(a)     recognises the high rates of South Australians affected by the meningococcal B strain;

(b)     establish a committee to investigate the effectiveness of the meningococcal B strain vaccination as a state government-funded vaccination program; and

(c)      calls on the state government to implement a vaccination program against the meningococcal B strain for all South Australians

This motion was subsequently defeated in parliament 23 votes to 21.

The Health & Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade elected instead to establish a working group to consider options for a state funded vaccination program.

After vigorous debate following this motion and subsequent lobbying of Members of Parliament, the Member for Mount Gambier, Troy Bell MP is extremely pleased that the State Liberal Government has now announced that it introduce a vaccination program for babies and young people against the potentially deadly meningococcal B strain.

Commencing the 1st October, meningococcal B vaccinations will be available in a phased implementation with an infant program for babies aged six weeks to one year, and a childhood catch-up program for children aged up to four years.

In early 2019, the vaccination program will be broadened to include catch-up programs for students in Years 10 and 11, as well as young people aged from 17 to 20 years.

Delivering of the program will be available from service providers including GPs, local government immunisation clinics, Aboriginal Health Services, Child and Family Health Services (CaFHS) and Country Health SA.

“This is an absolute victory for the over 4,600 the constituents who signed the petition instigated by supporters of Justice for Jordan” said Mr Bell.  “This is wonderful example of community rallying together showing support for those families who have been tragically effected by this insidious disease”.