Govt to vaccinate children against meningococcal disease

The Federal Government has brought forward its meningococcal vaccination program for children aged between one and five.

A worldwide shortage of the vaccine had orginally restricted the supply to the most at-risk, one year olds and those aged between 15 and 17.

From early next year a million more children aged between one and five will receive the vaccine free.

There will also be a school vaccination program for 15 to 19-year-olds.

Federal Health Minister Kay Patterson says it is a vital initiative.

"The thing is that not only do children and young people die but they also suffer severe disability, loss of limbs, organ damage," she said.

The Government announced the extra $190 million in funding after securing further supplies of the vaccine.

The program will cost $300 million over 4 years and will provide a free vaccination to more than six million young Australians.

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