Tasmania releases parent information ahead of free infant meningococcal B vaccine rolloutEducation and Care 

The Tasmanian Government has released further guidance for parents and guardians ahead of the introduction of its free infant meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination program, which will begin from 1 July 2026.

The new state-funded program will provide free MenB vaccinations for infants at 6 weeks, 4 months and 12 months of age, with a catch-up program also available for children under two years old born before 1 July 2025.

The program is designed to protect infants and young children from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can progress rapidly and cause serious complications including brain damage, limb loss and death.

Health authorities said babies and young children are among those at highest risk of meningococcal B infection.

The newly released parent information explains that meningococcal disease is spread through close contact with saliva and respiratory secretions and can initially appear similar to common viral illnesses, making early recognition difficult.

Common symptoms in babies and young children may include fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, drowsiness, unusual crying, rash and difficulty waking.

The Department noted that while meningococcal disease remains uncommon, early vaccination is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness.

Parents are also being advised that fever is a common side effect following MenB vaccination in infants, particularly when administered alongside other routine childhood immunisations. To help manage this, the Department recommends the use of paracetamol after vaccination as directed by healthcare providers.

The MenB vaccine program will be delivered through participating general practitioners, councils and community vaccination providers across Tasmania.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is already provided nationally under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), while MenB vaccination has historically only been funded for certain high-risk groups and through selected state-based programs.

The expansion of Tasmania’s funded MenB program reflects growing national attention on childhood immunisation and preventative health measures aimed at reducing serious infectious diseases among infants and young children.

The Tasmanian Department of Health has encouraged families to speak with their immunisation provider for more information about eligibility, vaccination timing and catch-up arrangements.

The Tasmanian Government’s parent information sheet is available here.