Media Release

Thousands of young Territorians take up free Meningococcal B vaccine

21 August 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to deliver health and cost of living outcomes, with more than 8,000 eligible young Territorians receiving the free Meningococcal B vaccine since the program launched on 1 January.

Of the 8,178 Territorians vaccinated, 5,513 were infants aged between six weeks and two years and 2,665 were adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years.  

In addition, 1,248 doses were administered to Aboriginal children under 12 months via the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Minister for Health Steve Edgington said there had been strong demand for the free vaccine and encouraged more eligible families to take part.

“In our year of action, certainty and security, we are taking the necessary steps to address the issues that matter most to Territorians. It’s fantastic to see such a strong uptake of this important immunisation program,” he said.

“This initiative delivers on our election promise to give Territory families access to vital protection against Meningococcal B, while also easing the cost-of-living pressures.

“Children are the greatest beneficiaries of vaccinations. They give families certainty and security, and I encourage more eligible families to access this protection for free."

Before this program families were paying around $130-$180 per vaccine, with infants under two requiring three doses and adolescents needing two doses.

Year 9 students have already received the vaccine as part of the school immunisation schedule in Terms 1 and 2, with a catch-up program offered to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Previously, the Meningococcal B vaccine was only free to Aboriginal infants via the NIP or those with specific medical conditions.

Mr Edgington said expanding the program to all young Territorians was lifesaving.

“In the past decade, the NT has recorded 16 cases of Meningococcal B, including four tragic deaths,” he said.

“Survivors often face devastating lifelong disabilities, with one-in-four impacted.

“Our free vaccination program is a game changer. It will help Territory families avoid the unimaginable loss of a child, or the long-term effects of this preventable disease.”

The CLP Government has invested $1 million to fund the program, including a two-year catch-up initiative, and committed an additional $500,000 annually to support ongoing vaccinations for infants and Year 9 students.

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 students are eligible for the program until the end of 2026.

For more information, including factsheets and posters, visit the website. 

 Media contact: Ktima Heathcote - 0419 211 526

Caption: Meningococcal B vaccine rollout at Darwin High School. From left (standing) Susan Bowden, Chief Executive, Department of Education and Training, immunisation nurse Nicole Wienert, immunisation nurse Laurena Marchant, Darwin High School Principal Joe Hewett, Year 10 student Olivia Musgrave and Minister for Health Steve Edgington. (Sitting) Nurse and Meningococcal B catch up program coordinator (Top End region) Beth McCann and Year 10 student Madison Walker.

Caption: Minister for Health Steve Edgington with Year 10 students Olivia Musgrave and Madison Walker who received the Meningococcal B vaccine.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington, Susan Bowden, Chief Executive Department of Education and Training, and Year 10 students Madison Walker and Olivia Musgrave.