Thousands of Northern Tasmanians have still not taken up the free meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
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Public health figures show that almost 10,000 people across the Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar area aged between six weeks and 21 years have not received the free vaccine.
Public Health Services clinical director Dr Faline Howes said people who were not vaccinated were putting themselves and the broader community at greater risk of getting the potentially fatal disease.
“The age cohort that is eligible for the vaccine is not only more susceptible to the disease, but always plays a pivotal role in transmitting the bacteria through the community,” Dr Howes said.
“One in 10 people are carrying the meningococcal bacteria at any given time without any symptoms or illness, but in a small number of cases, it can cause a serious illness which can result in disability or death.
“By getting vaccinated you not only protect yourself but reduce the risk to others by not spreading the bacteria.”
The public health figures showed that 19 and 20 year olds are lagging behind in accessing the vaccine.
Less than four in ten 19 year old Tasmanians have received a vaccine, along with less than a third of 20 year-olds.
Dr Howes said the more people who were vaccinated, the greater the protection for the entire community.
“Fifteen year-olds have the distinction of being the most vaccinated age group, with 94 per cent having received the shot,” she said.
“The simple fact is that this disease can be deadly. That fact alone should be as much motivation to get themselves and eligible family members vaccinated.”
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said a second stage of the meningococcal vaccination program campaign would target 20-year-olds.
“Despite the expanded program being one of the most successful mass vaccination campaign in Tasmania’s history, the next stage will encourage 20-year-olds to receive their free immunisation,” he said.
“Nearly 90,000 young Tasmanians have been vaccinated against meningococcal A, C, W and Y in just 11 weeks in our cities and regions.
“This has been a remarkable team effort and I thank our team at Public Health Services, GPs, pharmacists and councils across the state for the wonderful work they did in facilitating and contributing to this lifesaving program.
“We believe that the campaign will save Tasmanian lives, perhaps some have been saved from disease already.”
The expanded vaccination program was launched in response to an outbreak of meningococcal W in the state’s South, with Tasmanians aged six weeks to under 21 eligible for a free vaccination.