Last year, there were 281 cases of meningococcal disease in Australia. The deadly B strain was a factor in 119 cases, the W strain in 100, and the Y strain in 45.

Despite the B strain being the most fatal, South Australia is the only state where it is provided free of charge. In New South Wales the three shots can cost up to $500.

Professor Robert Booy said, “Thousands of Australians are dying from diseases like meningococcal disease while the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) decides which vaccines should be added to the list”.

Read full story here