Calls grow for free meningococcal B strain vaccine as case numbers spike

An Adelaide man is calling for the B strain of the meningococcal vaccine to be made free after battling the disease.

Paul Goodfellow, 41, contracted the B strain of meningococcal in 2013, spending 108 days in hospital and losing his toes and a fingertip.

“It’s certainly changed the way I live, and what I can do,” Mr Goodfellow told 9NEWS.

Twenty-nine cases of meningococcal have been reported in South Australia this year, with the B strain the most common.

Three people have died from the disease, including an 18-month-old child.

The outbreak has prompted concern among parents, with demand for the B vaccine increasing 50-fold.

“We had quite a wait for my two younger children to get it, so it did take us a while to get it,” Mr Goodfellow said.

Babies require three doses and a booster shot, while those over 12 months, including teenagers and adults, need two.

However, with the price of each dose around $125, protection is out of reach for some.

“It would be much better if it was more affordable for families,” Mr Goodfellow said.

Currently only vaccination against the C strain is provided for free.

Only high school students in South Australia receive free protection against the B strain.

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