Queensland families urged to see their GP for MenB vaccine after tragic outbreak in Far North Queensland

A tragic outbreak of the deadly Meningococcal B disease in Far North Queensland has prompted GPs to urge Queensland families to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. 

Media reports say health authorities are working to control a "major outbreak" of the potentially deadly disease after the third case in three weeks in Far North Queensland. 

The Queensland Government acted on the Royal Australian College of GPs calls to make the vaccine free for at-risk groups, but uptake has been very low with 40,000 eligible children unvaccinated. 

RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said: “Meningococcal disease is a very serious infection that can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death – the outbreak in Far North Queensland is very concerning. 

“Thankfully there is a safe and effective vaccine for Meningococcal B, which the Queensland Government has made free for those most at-risk, including infants, young children and adolescents. 

“Getting vaccinated is the best way families can protect themselves from this deadly disease. However, there has been very low uptake of the free vaccine, with some 40,000 children still unvaccinated. 

“I urge Queensland families to book in for their vaccine with their GP right away and get protected against this deadly disease. And if you have any questions about the vaccine, be sure to ask your GP – we are here to help.” 

Queensland Health launched its MenB Vaccination Program earlier this year, and the following groups are eligible for the free vaccine: 

• Infants, six weeks to less than 12 months of age. 

• Catch-up immunisation for children aged 12 months to less than two years of age who have not yet started or completed a course of immunisation with the Bexsero vaccine. 

• Adolescents aged 15 to less than 20 years.