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Victoria to offer free meningococcal B vaccine to teens

By Shepparton News

May 11, 2026

The Victorian Government says the meningococcal B vaccine will be free for Year 10 students from January 1, 2027

From January 1, 2027, Year 10 students in Victoria can receive free protection from the rare but life-threatening disease meningococcal B.

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The state government announced it was investing more than $9 million to support the delivery of the vaccine, as private access through a GP currently costs more than $250 out of pocket.

It will be available through existing school immunisations programs via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services and Aboriginal health services.

Meningococcal B is an often fatal bacterial infection causing meningitis and septicaemia.

It can make people critically unwell very quickly, with Year 10 students one of the highest risk groups of contracting the disease.

Health Minister Harriet Shing said immunisations could give parents the peace of mind that their teenager was protected.

“Meningococcal B can be devastating, which is why prevention through vaccination is so important,” Ms Shing said.

“The free vaccination program will save lives.”

It also aligns with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine given to Year 10s under the National Immunisation Program schedule.