Rachel provided a written question to the Minister for Health, asking if the government will consider adding the life-saving Meningococcal B vaccine to the immunisation schedule.
Tuesday the 28th of October, 2025
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
To ask the Minister for Mental Health (for the Minister for Health): Will the Government expand the immunisation schedule to include meningococcal B and make this life-saving vaccine free to access for at-risk groups.
Response received, 3rd of February 2026:
The Meningococcal B vaccine is currently available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for specific vulnerable groups, while Victoria funds specific vaccines outside the NIP schedule to address identified local public health risks, outbreaks and local epidemiology. I have asked the Chief Health Officer to review the requirement for a localised vaccine program.
The Chief Health Officer has advised that there has been a significant period of time since the vaccine was last considered for listing on the National Immunisation Program and that a re-assessment is due. The Victorian Government believes that your postcode or bank balance should not determine access to vaccines, which is why a listing on the NIP is the best avenue to expand access for all Australians.
I have written to Minister Butler advocating for the implementation of a broader Meningococcal B program through the NIP. The CHO also raised inequities with Meningococcal B immunisation access at the Australian Health Protection Committee’s November meeting.
The Commonwealth requires an application from the manufacturer to consider a vaccine for the NIP. I have written to Glaxo Smith Kline encouraging them to re-apply to have the vaccine listed on the National Immunisation Program. I encourage you to do the same.
The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
Minister for Women
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