PBAC Considers Broader Access to Meningococcal B Vaccine
02 Apr 2026
Currently, Bexsero is funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under two and for people at higher risk of invasive meningococcal disease. The proposed expansion could allow more infants and teenagers to be protected.
The RACGP has strongly supported the move. RACGP Vice President and WA Chair, Dr Ramya Raman, said expanding the vaccine’s reach would be an important step in preventing serious illness.
ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has also highlighted the benefits of Bexsero, noting that while meningococcal disease is rare, it can have severe consequences, and children under two, teenagers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth carry a higher burden of disease.
Bexsero has been used in the UK’s NHS since 2015, where it has reduced meningococcal B cases by 75% in vaccinated groups. Vaccinations against other meningococcal strains (A, C, W, Y) are already available under the NIP.
PBAC’s recommendations from its March meeting are not yet published.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: RACGP / PBAC