GPs are urging Queenslanders to take advantage of government-funded vaccines to protect babies, toddlers and teenagers, as a third case of group B meningococcal disease has been reported in the state this week.

The Royal Australian College of GPs said while the government responded to calls for free vaccines earlier this year, uptake was low across the state, with about 40,000 people in at-risk groups still unvaccinated.

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The Queensland Health MenB vaccination program provides free vaccinations to infants aged 6 months to 1 year, catch-up vaccinations to unvaccinated children aged 1 to 2 years, and adolescents aged 15 to 20 years.

RACGP Queensland President Dr Cathryn Hester urged families to make an appointment to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Meningococcal disease is a very serious infection that can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death,” she said.

Tropical Queensland Health says the disease is a “relatively rare disease” and spreads through close contact, after a third case of meningococcal disease was reported near Cairns this week.

Acting director Paul Dugdale said: “If anyone is concerned they should seek medical help immediately as early treatment with antibiotics can save lives.”

Schools are providing booster vaccinations for Year 10 pupils, but Dugdale advises parents to check their children’s vaccinations are up to date.