Deadly disease outbreak ignites call for rollout of new-generation solution
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Rising health concerns have put a spotlight on the importance of disease prevention and awareness.
Communities are urged to stay vigilant amid the growing need for timely prevention and care, as Australia is facing its worst pneumococcal outbreak in two decades.
This comes after following the tragic loss of Brisbane baby Mabel Goya.
At just six months old, Mabel succumbed to pneumococcal meningitis in March 2021, a bacterial infection that aggressively attacks the brain, lungs, and heart.
‘It very rapidly attacked her brain, by the time someone realised it was a lot more serious than gastro, it was essentially too late,’ mum Carly said.
Her parents, Carly and John Goya are now advocating for the urgent rollout of a new-generation vaccine to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
The recent surge in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases has raised alarms across the nation.
According to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA), over 4,500 cases have been recorded since the beginning of 2023, and the country is witnessing its highest rate of infection since 2002.
IPD is a serious infection that can be a major cause of illness and death in older adults.
The IFA has been vocal in urging the federal government to expedite the distribution of new, broader-coverage pneumococcal vaccines that have already received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
These vaccines are designed to protect against a wider array of pneumococcal strains, offering a stronger defence for vulnerable populations.
The heart-wrenching story of baby Mabel has become a catalyst for change, with her parents expressing that her life might have been saved if the new vaccine had been available three years ago.
The Goyas, now parents to eight-month-old triplets, live with the constant fear that their children could fall victim to the same fate.
Paediatrician and Infectious Disease Researcher Professor Peter Richmond has highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, ‘Invasive pneumococcal disease is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact of pneumococcal infections in Australia.’
‘We're seeing a drop in vaccine coverage alongside emerging strains of the bacterium and antibiotic resistance.’
The IFA's director and founder, Catherine Hughes, has also pointed out that ‘bureaucratic red tape’ is hindering the swift deployment of these life-saving immunisations.
‘We simply can't risk not having the best available pneumococcal protection,’ Hughes said.
‘Invasive pneumococcal disease can cause permanent disability and even death. We have the tools to make a difference, and now is the time to ensure Australians at greatest risk of infection are protected.’
The stakes are high, as invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to permanent disability or death.
With more than 100 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in existence, the new vaccines are a beacon of hope, capable of defending against the most common and severe forms of the bacterium.
Despite the availability of these vaccines, vaccination rates in children have dropped to 92.8 per cent in 2023, and only 20 per cent of Australians aged between 71 and 19 are immunised against IPD.
Have you or your family members been affected by pneumococcal disease? What steps are you taking to stay protected? Let us know in the comments below.
Communities are urged to stay vigilant amid the growing need for timely prevention and care, as Australia is facing its worst pneumococcal outbreak in two decades.
This comes after following the tragic loss of Brisbane baby Mabel Goya.
At just six months old, Mabel succumbed to pneumococcal meningitis in March 2021, a bacterial infection that aggressively attacks the brain, lungs, and heart.
‘It very rapidly attacked her brain, by the time someone realised it was a lot more serious than gastro, it was essentially too late,’ mum Carly said.
An outbreak of pneumococcal meningitis has sparked calls for the rollout of new vaccines. Credit: 8photo / Freepik
Her parents, Carly and John Goya are now advocating for the urgent rollout of a new-generation vaccine to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
The recent surge in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases has raised alarms across the nation.
According to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA), over 4,500 cases have been recorded since the beginning of 2023, and the country is witnessing its highest rate of infection since 2002.
IPD is a serious infection that can be a major cause of illness and death in older adults.
The IFA has been vocal in urging the federal government to expedite the distribution of new, broader-coverage pneumococcal vaccines that have already received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
These vaccines are designed to protect against a wider array of pneumococcal strains, offering a stronger defence for vulnerable populations.
The heart-wrenching story of baby Mabel has become a catalyst for change, with her parents expressing that her life might have been saved if the new vaccine had been available three years ago.
The Goyas, now parents to eight-month-old triplets, live with the constant fear that their children could fall victim to the same fate.
Paediatrician and Infectious Disease Researcher Professor Peter Richmond has highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, ‘Invasive pneumococcal disease is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact of pneumococcal infections in Australia.’
‘We're seeing a drop in vaccine coverage alongside emerging strains of the bacterium and antibiotic resistance.’
The IFA's director and founder, Catherine Hughes, has also pointed out that ‘bureaucratic red tape’ is hindering the swift deployment of these life-saving immunisations.
‘We simply can't risk not having the best available pneumococcal protection,’ Hughes said.
‘Invasive pneumococcal disease can cause permanent disability and even death. We have the tools to make a difference, and now is the time to ensure Australians at greatest risk of infection are protected.’
The stakes are high, as invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to permanent disability or death.
With more than 100 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in existence, the new vaccines are a beacon of hope, capable of defending against the most common and severe forms of the bacterium.
Despite the availability of these vaccines, vaccination rates in children have dropped to 92.8 per cent in 2023, and only 20 per cent of Australians aged between 71 and 19 are immunised against IPD.
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