Fed: Govt aims to widen vaccination program
CANBERRA, Aug 20 AAP - The federal government hoped to introduce vaccinations for thedeadly C strain of meningococcal disease for all age groups, Health Minister Kay Pattersonsaid today.
One million Australian children and teenagers will have free vaccinations against thedeadly strain of meningococcal disease from next year.
Cabinet has approved a national targeted program which will cost $41 million in itsfirst year, and $20 million each year for the next 14 years.
Senator Patterson said vaccinations would begin with young children and teenagers butthe government's aim was to vaccinate all age groups.
"That's our aim," Senator Patterson told reporters.
"We're starting off with the highest risk group ... 12-month-old children, 15 year-oldsand 16 and 17-year-olds."
It is believed more than 20 Australians have died this year after contracting the disease.
The national vaccination program would cover the meningococcal C strain. There is novaccine available for meningococcal B, another deadly strain of the disease.
Senator Patterson also said the community must remain aware of disease symptoms andcampaigns must be mounted to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
AAP lm/daw/jmd
KEYWORD: MENINGOCOCCAL GOVT
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