THE heartbroken parents who tragically lost their six-month-old baby to the deadly meningococcal B-strain have welcomed news a vaccination program will be rolled out for babies and young
people.
The State Government yesterday announced the program following a grassroots community campaign calling for a publicly funded vaccination program.
Mount Gambier parents Nathan Braddock and Emma Smith tragically lost their six-month-old son Jordan to the invasive disease in March.
Within hours of showing signs of illness, the insidious disease swiftly took the life of Jordan, who died at Mount Gambier Hospital.
The grieving couple spearheaded a campaign pushing for the B-strain vaccine to be placed on the vaccination schedule and for health authorities to step-up education and awareness.
While the grieving family is still grappling with their devastating loss, the couple said they did not want other families to go through a similar “nightmare”.
“We are definitely happy with the announcement – it is good news and it was about time something was done,” Emma said yesterday.
While the outcome would not ease the pain of losing their adored son, she said she hoped the vaccination program would save lives in the community. 
“South Australia has the highest rate of the meningococcal B-strain,” Emma warned.
“This will not bring Jordan back, but it will help others.”
Meanwhile, Nathan said he wanted to see the government also pour money into education and revealed he harboured some bitterness a vaccination program and more education were not rolled out earlier.
“I cannot see why nobody would do anything about it even though people were dying – the authorities knew what was going on,” Nathan told The Border Watch.
He said limited information was publicised by health authorities about the disease.
But the couple have welcomed the swift response from the Liberal Marshall Government given it has only been in power since March.
South Australia will be the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce a vaccination program for babies and young people as part of a targeted response.
Health Minister Stephen Wade said the vaccination program would provide immunisations for children aged up to 12 months, as well as catch-up programs for children aged under four years and older adolescents.
“Contrary to what we have seen nationally, instances of meningococcal B disease have not declined in South Australia over the past 18 years and it has predominantly affected children, adolescents and young adults,” Mr Wade said.
“Meningococcal infection is a devastating disease that can cause death and for many survivors leads to permanent disability and other long-term effects.”
It currently costs parents up to $500 for a full vaccination course to immunise their children against meningococcal B.
Starting October 1, meningococcal B vaccinations will be available in a phased implementation with an infant program for babies aged six weeks to one year and a childhood catch-up program for children aged up to four years.
In early 2019, the vaccination program will be broadened to include catch-up programs for students in Years 10 and 11, as well as young people aged from 17 to 20 years.
The first round of the program will start on October 1, 2018, and be delivered through service providers including GPs, local government immunisation clinics, Aboriginal Health Services, Child and Family Health Services (CaFHS) and Country Health SA.
Vaccinations as part of the adolescent catch-up will start early 2019.
The total cost of the program is dependent on commercial negotiations and remains commercial-in-confidence in the meantime.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell – who has lobbied for the vaccination program – yesterday described the decision as an “absolute victory” for the 4600 constituents who signed the petition instigated by supporters of Justice for Jordan.
“This is a wonderful example of community rallying together showing support for those families who have been tragically affected by this insidious disease,” said Mr Bell, who previously attempted to push through a private member’s bill in parliament.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin was also thrilled yesterday with the government’s announcement.
“As a father of two young children, I understand how frightening this disease is,” Mr Pasin said.
“It has affected many families and their communities in Barker and this is why I have lobbied for this vaccine to be made available in South Australia by the State Government until it can be included on the National Immunisation Program.”
