If you’re a parent, you already have a lot on your plate with feeding schedules, nap times, and, of course, the never-ending task of making sure your little one stays healthy. Now, there’s another decision to add to the list: Should you vaccinate your baby against Meningococcal B?
Meningococcal disease is one of those scary, rare-but-serious infections that can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). And while anyone can get it, babies under two years old and teenagers are most at risk. The effects can be devastating—long-term complications or even death.
For the last 6 years, Australian babies have been getting vaccinated against Meningococcal A,C, W and Y strains as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule (yay for science!). However, the number of people vaccinated against Meningococcal B is much lower. As a result, 85% of cases in Australia are now caused by Meningococcal B.
Enter Bexsero, the vaccine that protects against Meningococcal B. It’s been around since 2013 and is available privately at Sage Medical for a cost of $150 per dose (no prescription needed). While other Australian states and territories have added it to their national immunisation programs, Victoria has yet to follow suit. The Royal College of General Practitioners is lobbying the government behind the scenes, to have this vaccine added to the national schedule. In the meantime, parents who want to protect their little ones need to pay out-of-pocket.
Who Should Get It?
Health authorities recommend the Meningococcal B vaccine for: Infants under 2 years (because they’re at the highest risk), Teenagers (because they can unknowingly spread it) and people with certain medical conditions, like those with immune system disorders.
If you can manage the cost, it’s definitely worth discussing with your doctor at Sage Medical Centre who will be happy to answer your questions. Alternatively, if you have already made the decision to vaccinate your little one, you can book this directly with our practice nurses by calling (03) 8606 3206 or click here to book online.
Until then, let’s hope Australia joins the other countries in making this vaccine part of the national program soon!
