THE State Opposition has demanded the Marshall Government deliver free Meningococcal B vaccines for all children under the age of two following an increase in diagnoses of the invasive disease.
The call follows the hospitalisation of a three month old girl in Adelaide last week after contracting the potentially deadly B strain.
There have been 10 cases of invasive meningococcal disease reported in South Australia so far this year, nine of which have been the B strain.
Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton urged the State Government to adopt Labor’s pre-election plan to provide free vaccines for children aged two and under, which he said would have started today if the party was reelected.
Mr Picton joined colleague and Labor leader Peter Malinauskas and former Cabinet Minister Geoff Brock in supporting Independent MP Troy Bell’s unsuccessful move in parliament this week to provide free meningococcal vaccinations for babies.
The Liberal State Government did not back the push, instead supporting the recently established expert working group and their development of an “optimal response” to Meningococcal B in South Australia.
The State Government’s clinical task group, which consists of senior clinicians and immunisation experts, was convened in April to develop a vaccination program in South Australia.
Health Minister Stephen Wade said the working committee was expected to report “within the next couple of weeks”.
While welcoming the investigation of broader immunisation options, Mr Picton criticised the clinical task group’s delay in rolling out a free strain-specific vaccination amid an increase of cases and community concern.
“As more and more children contract this horrible disease, the time for decisions has arrived,” he said.
“There is absolutely no reason for the Marshall Liberal Government to delay the implementation of our plan.
“They have had more than two months to do this and we need an answer.
“This vaccine will save lives.”
