Queensland MenB Vaccination Program

Beginning in early 2024, the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program will provide free meningococcal B (menB) vaccines to eligible Queensland infants, children and adolescents.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (less than 2 years of age) and people with specific medical risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease are currently eligible for free menB vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program will make menB vaccines available for eligible infants, children and adolescents in addition to NIP eligible groups.

Currently, menB vaccine is available for purchase on the private market for those who are not eligible under the NIP. You can discuss your family’s vaccination needs with your immunisation provider such as your GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria invade the body from the nose or throat.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the nose and throat of a small proportion of healthy people (about 10%) and are spread through close prolonged contact. The bacteria are more commonly found in teenagers and young adults. There are a number of different strains of meningococcal bacteria. Worldwide, the main strains that cause meningococcal disease are A, B, C, W and Y.

Most people with meningococcal infection fully recover, but some people can develop long-term health complications including limb deformity, skin scarring, deafness and possible loss of brain function.

When does the Queensland MenB Vaccination program commence?

The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

Who will be eligible for free vaccine through the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program?

The following Queenslanders who have not yet started or completed an age-appropriate course of menB vaccination will be eligible for Queensland MenB Vaccination Program.

• Infants, 6 weeks to 12 months of age.

• Catch up vaccination will be offered for children aged over 12 months to less than 2 years.

• Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (inclusive).

Once vaccination is commenced during the eligibility period, a person remains eligible for their second dose, regardless of age.

Should I wait until the implementation of the free Queensland MenB Vaccination Program, or have my infant/child/adolescent vaccinated now?

You should discuss your family’s vaccination needs with GP or other healthcare provider.

Currently, menB vaccine is available for purchase on the private market for those who are not eligible under the NIP.

Can I make an appointment for the free vaccine now?

For those currently eligible under the NIP, contact your immunisation provider for an appointment.

For those not eligible under the NIP, and who wish to wait, further details about the timing of the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program will be publicly available as soon as possible. Queensland Health is working with medical, pharmacy and consumer groups to ensure the successful implementation of this program.

How will the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program be delivered?

The infant, early childhood and adolescent programs will be delivered through a network of more than 2,000 Queensland Health registered vaccine service providers, including GPs, community vaccination clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

MenB vaccination will also be delivered in Year 10 through Queensland Health’s School Immunisation Program.

What will be funded/free?

The menB vaccine will be provided for free to those eligible. As is the case currently, a consultation/administration fee may be charged to people at the vaccine service provider’s discretion.

Can people who are not eligible for Medicare be provided with Queensland funded menB vaccines?

No. Eligibility for the Queensland MenB Immunisation Program is linked to the eligibility for Medicare benefits.

Note, refugees and humanitarian entrants settled in Queensland are Medicare eligible and are therefore eligible to be vaccinated under this program.

Can visitors to Queensland be provided with Queensland funded menB vaccines?

No. The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program is for residents of Queensland who are Medicare eligible.

Why is the Queensland Government funding a Queensland MenB Vaccination Program?

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can cause significant illness, disability and death. Around one-third of children and adolescents who survive meningococcal disease develop permanent complications. With improved control of other strains of meningococcal disease through vaccination, the menB strain is emerging as the most common cause of illness and death from meningococcal disease in Queensland.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends menB vaccination for several at risk groups, in addition to those currently included under the NIP schedule. The implementation of a Queensland funded menB vaccination program for children and adolescents is in accordance with ATAGI’s recommendations. The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program aims to remove financial barriers to vaccination, improve vaccine uptake, and improve the protection that menB vaccination provides against meningococcal disease .

Can I be reimbursed if I have already paid for a menB vaccination?

No. Reimbursement is not available to those who accessed menB vaccination prior to the commencement the program .

Why can’t the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program begin sooner?

The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program will be the largest state funded immunisation program ever implemented in Queensland. Nearly half a million infants, children and adolescents will be eligible to receive Queensland funded menB vaccine from quarter one of 2024.

A lead time is required to ensure the successful implementation of the program, including ensuring there is sufficient vaccine supply available for all eligible people.