Free Meningococcal B Vaccine to Protect Victorian Year 10 Students from 2027

The Victorian Government is expanding access to preventative healthcare, with Victorian teenagers set to receive free protection against meningococcal B, a rare but potentially life-threatening disease.

Minister for Health Harriet Shing has announced that from 1 January 2027, the vaccine will be offered free of charge to all Year 10 students, or those of an equivalent age, through school-based immunisation programs.

Currently, families who choose to vaccinate privately must pay more than $250 per dose through general practitioners. The new state-funded program represents a $9 million investment aimed at removing this financial barrier and increasing vaccination coverage among young people.

The vaccine will be delivered through a range of existing providers, including general practitioners, community pharmacies, local council immunisation services, and Aboriginal health organisations.

Health authorities note that Year 10 students are among the groups most at risk of contracting meningococcal B. The timing of the program also aligns with the existing National Immunisation Program schedule, which provides the meningococcal ACWY vaccine at the same stage of schooling.

The Government says it will continue advocating for the Commonwealth to include meningococcal B on the national immunisation schedule to ensure broader access across Australia.

Meningococcal B can progress rapidly and cause serious complications, including long-term disability or death, making vaccination a key preventive measure.

Minister for Health Harriet Shing said the initiative is designed to protect families and reduce the impact of the disease, while also continuing efforts to secure national funding support for the vaccine.

She said vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the potentially devastating effects of meningococcal B infection.