Following a deadly meningococcal B outbreak in the UK, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging the Victorian Government to add free MenB vaccines and intranasal influenza vaccines for children to the state-funded immunisation schedule.
Twenty-one people were hospitalised, nine in intensive care, and two young people died in a meningococcal B outbreak linked to a nightclub in Canterbury, UK, in March.
This follows the death of 16-year-old Levi Syer shortly after developing symptoms of the deadly bacterial infection in September last year, with the Victorian Opposition committing to fund free vaccines for infants and teens following ongoing advocacy by his mother, Norliah Syer-Peterson.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said expanding access to these vaccines would deliver immediate public health benefit and reduce the long‑term burden on emergency departments, hospitals, and general practice.
“This is an infection that can lead to death or a permanent and severe disability within a day,” she said
“Levi Syer’s story is devastating, and it’s beyond belief that families are being left vulnerable to preventable and potentially life‑threatening illnesses. As his mother Norliah has said, meningococcal B doesn’t wait, and nor should we.
“The outbreak in the UK has shocked physicians. It’s unusual for so many people to contract meningococcal B at once, but it’s a reminder that unusual isn’t impossible.”
Meningococcal B remains one of the most severe forms of meningococcal disease, with infants, toddlers and teenagers at highest risk.
While several Australian jurisdictions have introduced publicly funded MenB vaccines, Victorian families must currently pay hundreds of dollars for the full course.
“Families shouldn’t be expected to weigh the risk of an infection against the substantial cost of a vaccine, which puts it out of reach for many Victorian families,” Dr Muñoz said.
“Funding MenB vaccines will save lives.
RACGP Victoria is also calling for free access to the intranasal influenza vaccine for children.
“We know that kids are major spreaders of influenza,” Dr Muñoz said.
“The intranasal vaccine is needle‑free, easy to administer, and shown to increase uptake among children who may be anxious about injections.
“Making it free would lift coverage, protect families, and reduce transmission in schools and early childhood settings.”
Influenza continues to place significant pressure on Victorian hospitals each year, with a record number of flu cases in 2025. The RACGP warns that without improved vaccination uptake, lives will be lost and the state will continue to experience preventable strain on hospital and general practice services.
“Funding these vaccines is a smart public health investment,” Dr Muñoz said.
“It will prevent deaths, while reducing illness, hospitalisations, and costs across the health system. We’re calling on the Victorian Government to make this a priority ahead of the next budget.”
The RACGP stands ready to work with government and health partners to ensure equitable vaccine access for all Victorians.
~ENDS
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