Earlier this year, the Northern Territory Government made a significant announcement with the introduction of free Meningococcal B vaccines for infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months and Year 9 students aged 14–15. A catch-up program is also in place for children under two and adolescents aged 15-19, marking a considerable step in protecting young Territorians from this devastating disease.
The tragic story of Skylar Lawrence underscores the importance of this initiative. In October 2017, Skylar, just 33 months old, was diagnosed with Meningococcal B. Despite receiving urgent care at Royal Darwin Hospital, she passed away within hours. Determined to raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing such heartache, the Lawrence family launched the “Share A Cino With Skylar” campaign in 2018.
Inspired by Skylar and her twin sister’s love for babycinos, the campaign encouraged the community to rally for subsidised Meningococcal B vaccines. Thanks to their relentless advocacy, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced the inclusion of the Meningococcal B vaccine in the NT’s immunisation schedule earlier this year.
Vaccination Details
The Meningococcal B vaccine is now available through GPs, pharmacies, community care centres, and remote health services. Beginning with the 2025 school year, Year 9 students will receive the vaccine as part of the NT School Immunisation Program, which involves two doses given at least eight weeks apart.
For older students in Years 10-12, the catch-up program offers free vaccinations until 2027. Parents are urged to return completed vaccination consent forms to schools once the new year starts to ensure their children are protected.
Understanding Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by bacteria that can invade the body through close, prolonged contact. The disease often develops rapidly and can be challenging to diagnose early.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headache and neck stiffness
- Rash of red or purple pin prick spots (not disappearing under gentle pressure)
- Nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite
In infants, symptoms can include irritability, refusal to eat, high-pitched crying, or grunting or moaning, pale or blotchy skin and fits (convulsions)
Not all symptoms may be present at once.
While most patients recover, the disease can cause severe complications like limb deformity, brain damage, and, tragically, loss of life.
There are several different strains of meningococcal bacteria. The main strains that cause meningococcal disease are A, B, C, W and Y. There is a current meningococcal ACWY vaccine which is part of the National Immunisation Program that teenagers in Year 9 receive, but this does not protect young people from the meningococcal B strain.
Teenagers face an increased risk due to factors like crowded gatherings, living arrangements, and intimate contact. While the ACWY vaccine currently protects against other meningococcal strains, it does not cover the B strain. This makes the rollout of the Meningococcal B vaccine especially critical for safeguarding this vulnerable age group.
For more information, visit the NT Health website or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NTGovHealth
Infants | https://health.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1469630/meningococcal-b-factsheet-infants.pdf
