Approximately 4,200 infants and 18,500 teenagers across the NT are now eligible to receive free Meningococcal B vaccinations, which will be rolled into the regular immunisation schedule, the government has announced.

The free shots program that came into effect on January 1, provides vital protection for infants aged six weeks to two years and adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, safeguarding them against the potentially severe bacterial infection that can impact the brain and spinal cord.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the program reflected the CLP Government’s commitment to improve health outcomes for all Territorians and help ease the cost of living.

“This initiative delivers on our promise to ensure Territory families have access to vital protection against meningococcal B,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“From the beginning of this year, Year 9 students will receive the vaccine as part of the school immunisation schedule, while a catch-up program will be provided in schools later in the year for students in years 10, 11 and 12.”

The meningococcal B vaccine was previously only available for free to Aboriginal children or those with specific medical conditions, while the program aims to ensure every eligible family can now access it for free.

“It’s very exciting that we’re now able to close the loop and add Meningitis B to the schedule, and hopefully, as the Chief Minister said, into the future, it will become part of the National Immunization program as well, and will be available around the country,” NT Chief Health Officer Christine Connors said.

“So we’ve had over 600 children come and receive a meningitis B dose, which is very exciting. We thought lots of people would be on holidays and not thinking about it, so it’s been a really fantastic take up for the little babies.

“I encourage all parents of young children to make contact with their GP or with the Community Care Centers and book in to come and get your meningitis B.”

The free vaccine follows tragic the death of two-year-old Skylar, who succumbed to the illness in 2017.

Skylar’s mother Sally Lawrence, who lobbied for the vaccine to be made free, encouraged all parents to get the shot for their children.

“We never had this opportunity. We didn’t even know this [vaccine] existed, and obviously we lost our daughter,” Ms Lawrence said. “So we definitely encourage families to take up this free vaccination.”

NT Health has launched an awareness campaign to promote the meningococcal B vaccine, available through the NT School Immunisation Program and other healthcare providers.

Adolescents require two doses, while infants need three doses if under 12 months and two doses if over 12 months.

The vaccine can be given alongside other routine vaccinations starting at 6 weeks of age, and parents can access it through health clinics, pharmacies or their GP.

Over the last 10 years, the Territory has reported 18 instances of meningococcal B, resulting in three fatalities in the previous five years. Survivors of the illness frequently endure severe, long-term disabilities, affecting one in every four people diagnosed.

The CLP Government has invested $1 million to fund the program, including a two-year catch-up initiative, and committed an additional $500,000 annually to support ongoing vaccinations for infants and Year 9 students.