RACGP Calls on WA to Provide Free Meningococcal B Vaccine for At-Risk Children
24 Feb 2026
At present, the $140 cost of the MenB vaccine puts it out of reach for many families, according to RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman.
“Families shouldn’t have to choose between protecting their children and covering the cost. Removing this barrier will help more children get vaccinated,” Dr Raman said.
The National Immunisation Program provides a subsidised vaccine for meningococcal strains A, C, W, and Y, but MenB now accounts for more than 80% of cases. In 2025, WA recorded 13 cases and one death from MenB, with four additional cases reported between December 2025 and January 2026.
Dr Raman noted that babies under two years and teenagers aged 15–19 are the most vulnerable. She highlighted evidence from other states showing that free MenB vaccination programs significantly reduce infections in children and adolescents.
States such as South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory already offer the vaccine at no cost, while Tasmania committed to funding it prior to its last election.
“Western Australia needs to take the same step to protect its children,” Dr Raman said.
The call has also been supported by the Meningitis Centre Australia (MCA). CEO Karen Quick said a recent survey of 22,000 parents revealed 98% want the MenB vaccine for their children, yet 87% cannot afford it.
“A child’s protection should not depend on income or location. WA should make this vaccine free, as other states have done,” she said.
In addition, the WA Government has launched its 2026 Winter Strategy to help ease pressure on the health system during the colder months. The plan includes free influenza vaccines for people aged 12–64 who aren’t covered under the National Immunisation Program and 130,000 FluMist nasal spray doses for children aged 2–11, available from mid-April to the end of July.
Dr Raman welcomed the strategy, saying that reducing costs for families increases vaccine uptake and strengthens public health. The plan also provides extra hospital beds, support for GPs to deliver vaccines, and a 24/7 monitoring pilot for older patients after hospital discharge.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP