Meningitis Foundation calls for bipartisan support for free adolescent vaccination programme
The Meningitis Foundation is advocating for a bipartisan, fully funded adolescent vaccination program in New Zealand. They argue that current costs create unequal access, leading to preventable health outcomes, and are calling for expanded coverage for specific vaccines.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing debate over public health funding priorities and the economic barriers to preventative medicine for vulnerable populations.
The Meningitis Foundation is calling for bipartisan support for a fully funded vaccination programme for adolescents.
The foundation told the Health Select Committee that, when it came to meningitis, New Zealanders had "no fence at the top of the cliff, and no ambulance at the bottom either".
The foundation said that two vaccines were required for the "best possible protection": one was for meningococcal B strain, and another for the A, C, W, and Y strains.
"For those who are not eligible to receive a funded vaccine, the total cost of vaccination is $450," the foundation said.
"This is a significant barrier for many families. The foundation considers that there is unequal access to meningitis vaccines, which is leading to preventable deaths and disabilities."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in