Funding has been announced to support meningococcal B vaccination and GP training for the upcoming ADHD diagnosis and prescribing reforms.
The Victorian state budget was officially handed down earlier this month, and the local branch of the RACGP has given two health commitments a big thumbs up.
The meningococcal B vaccine, which previously carried a cost of up to $150 per dose, will now be made free for infants and children under the age of two as well as healthy adolescents aged 15 to 19. The vaccine covering the A, C, W and Y strains of meningococcal are freely available for children and young people under the National Immunisation Program.
“Meningitis isn’t predictable, but it is preventable. Free MenB vaccinations will be lifesaving,” RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said. “We’re pleased the Victorian Government has listened to GPs and implemented public health recommendations.”
“It’s appropriate for an essential vaccine like MenB to be part of a national approach, but this should be implemented as soon as possible so all babies and teens are immunised, including catch-up MenB vaccinations for those who should have received a vaccine already.”
The announcement is a timely one, with the education state recording four cases of meningococcal disease in 2026 to date on top of the 18 recorded in the previous 12 months.
In addition, the Victorian government has outlaid a cool $750,000 to fund accredited training for an initial tranche of 150 GPs to accurately assess and provide an evidence-based diagnosis for ADHD. The funding comes after the announcement of a healthcare reform, kicking off in September, that will allow GPs who complete the appropriate training to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD.
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Dr Muñoz said that too many people with ADHD had been left hanging by the healthcare system.
“Your postcode currently determines your access to ADHD care. Patients in the most disadvantaged areas shouldn’t have access [to] common ADHD medications at less than half the rate of those in our most advantaged areas.
“This has real effects. Patients with ADHD die almost seven years sooner. ADHD is around five times more prevalent among youth prisoners, and 10 times higher among adults. People with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
“Ensuring all patients who need it can access timely, accurate, and affordable ADHD assessments and ongoing care from their GP will change lives, and likely save lives too.”
