LA INDEPENDENTS CALL ON STATE GOVT TO ADDRESS MENINGOCOCCAL B VACCINATION GAPS

Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly are calling on the Premier and the New South Wales State Government to urgently address serious health policy concerns in relation to Meningococcal B vaccination gaps across the State.

On Tuesday 18th March 2025, a number of Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly met with Meningococcal B disease survivor, Jacob Blackwell, who shared his story of survival, recovery and rehabilitation.

Jacob was living in a share-house and completing a landscape gardener apprenticeship when he was struck down by Meningococcal B.  Meningococcal disease has left Jacob with a brain injury, permanent nerve and kidney damage, and hearing and vision issues.

All ten Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly co-signed a letter to the Premier calling for funding.

Quotes attributable to Jacob Blackwell

“I was in hospital for 224 days and now every day I have some appointment for my recovery. More people need to know about Meningococcal Disease and get access to these vaccines.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe MP

“As a physician, I know of the great harm that meningococcal disease can cause – harm that could be eliminated if effective vaccination and education programs are readily available.

“The costs of providing the vaccine can be recovered many times over through savings in a lifetime of health care for victims and with adequate prevention, others can avoid the devastating illness that has afflicted Jacob and others like him.

“Other state governments have led the way in this field, and it is now time for the NSW Government to play its part in protecting the community by improving access to vaccination programs against this dangerous illness.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP

"Jacob's story is remarkable and he is a great advocate and inspiration to other young people.

“But it is concerning that babies and young people are vulnerable to Meningococcal B due to gaps in vaccination in New South Wales and this requires urgent action from the State Government.  Many young people do not even know about this variant, thinking the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine covers all strains.

“Other State Governments in South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT) and the Western Australian Opposition have all recognised the value of boosting access to Meningococcal B vaccination funding programs.

“People living in regional and remote areas, as well as those living in suburbs with lower socio-economic status are less likely to be vaccinated against Meningococcal B.”

KEY FACTS ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL B AND INVASIVE MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE (IMD)

• NSW babies and young people are vulnerable to Meningococcal B due to gaps in vaccination.
• Governments in South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory (NT) and the Western Australian opposition have recognised the value of boosting access to Meningococcal B vaccination funding programs.
• People living in regional and remote areas, as well as those living in suburbs with lower socio-economic status are less likely to be vaccinated against Meningococcal B.
• Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) is a rare, but potentially devastating bacterial infection. It can start suddenly and become serious very quickly.[1]
• Most survive, up to 1 in 10 of those infected may die, and around 1 in 5 may suffer serious long term disabilities including brain damage, deafness or loss of limbs as a result of Meningococcal Disease.[2]
• One severe case of IMD causing life-long disability is estimated to cost governments $10 million.[3]
• A total of 22 cases of Meningococcal B were reported in NSW last year.[4]

[1] World Health Organization. “Meningitis.” Who.int, World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/meningitis.

[2] Beebeejaun, Kazim, et al. “Invasive Meningococcal Disease: Timing and Cause of Death in England, 2008–2015.” Journal of Infection, vol. 80, no. 3, Mar. 2020, pp. 286–290, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2019.12.008.

[3] Wright, Claire, et al. “Counting the Cost of Meningococcal Disease.” Pediatric Drugs, vol. 15, no. 1, 1 Feb. 2013, pp. 49–58, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40272-012-0006-0, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-012-0006-0.

[4] Australian Government. “NINDSS Portal.” Nindss.health.gov.au, Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024, nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/.