Research shows young children and late teenagers are particularly at risk of meningococcal disease as well as transporting the disease through the community and potentially infecting others.

Vaccinating this group of Tasmanians not only provides them with protection, but prevents the spread to other groups.

There is an expectation that about 100,000 people will be vaccinated under this extended program, the largest program of this type in Tasmanian history.

The government already has a stockpile of vaccinations and is ordering more to ensure adequate supply.

The free vaccines under this new program will be distributed to immunisers, including GPs, pharmacists, and council clinics as the program rolls out.

This announcement follows the fifth confirmed case of meningococcal disease in the Hobart area.

We are acting immediately on the advice from Public Health experts and have already begun contacting schools, childcare centres, councils, pharmacies and GPs.

Information has been provided to every GP as well as pharmacies.

We’ve had very positive feedback from health stakeholders in what will be a huge logistical exercise.

It is important the public is informed responsibly and that situations like this are not used for political gain by anyone.

We urge everyone, including those in Opposition, not to hinder this effort, and to instead work responsibly with us to deliver this program.

This is a life-saving vaccine and everyone eligible should have it.

Although yet to be confirmed, preliminary testing indicates four people have contracted the W strain of the disease, including one person who died.

My heartfelt condolences go to her family at this devastating time.

Public Health is in the process of mobilising the extended vaccination program.

The first stage will focus on the area where a number of meningococcal disease cases have occurred – Hobart’s Northern suburbs – and will then be expanded across the state in the following weeks.

The broader program, announced yesterday, will see eligible Tasmanians receive a free meningococcal vaccine from their family doctor, special public clinics and some high schools.

The vaccine will cover the meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y.

Public Health Services is working with pharmacist representative groups to enable pharmacists to also deliver vaccines for children aged over 10 in the coming weeks.

Last year, in response to a noticeable increase in meningococcal W cases, the state government intervened with an ACWY immunisation program for 15 to 19-year-olds. The ACWY vaccine was later included in the National Immunisation Program as a routine vaccine at age 12 months.

There has also been one confirmed case of meningococcal B – a 20-year-old man, who has been released from hospital.

It is extremely important to note that experts advise the current problem is with the W strain. Tasmania’s meningococcal B disease rate is consistent with the national rate, whereas the W strain is currently higher.

However, the Government recognises public concern on this issue and we will continue to consider coverage for all vaccine-preventable strains.

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious condition. Typically in Tasmania, there are five to six cases a year. Last year, there were 16 confirmed cases.

Meningococcal bacteria are spread through secretions of the nose and throat, and older teenagers are particularly at risk of carrying and transmitting the bacteria to others.

It remains important for the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease, such as fever, severe headache, severe muscle pain, and quickly becoming unusually unwell. Late in the illness, there can be a rash. Infants can be lethargic, floppy and feed poorly.

Anyone who is concerned that they may be showing symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek emergency medical care.

Further information is available online at www.health.tas.gov.au or via the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.