December 16th 2024.
A devastating disease has once again made its presence known in Australia, stealing the life of baby Mabel from her loving parents Carly and John Goya. Little Mabel passed away earlier this year at the tender age of six months, falling victim to pneumococcal meningitis - a bacterial infection that attacks the brain, lungs, and heart.
Tragically, the rates of this disease have reached a record high in the past 20 years, causing great concern among the public. In an effort to protect vulnerable Australians, a new vaccine has been developed, but bureaucratic red tape has delayed its rollout.
Carly shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter's final days, recalling how the disease quickly took hold of Mabel's brain. By the time they realized it was more than just a case of gastro, it was too late. Now, the Goya family has three eight-month-old triplets, Edie, Owen, and Augie, and they live in constant fear that the same fate could befall them.
According to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, there have been over 4500 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease reported across the country in 2023 alone. This is the highest rate recorded in Australia since 2002. The IFA warns that if vaccinations do not keep up with the outbreak, next year could see a fresh spike in deadly cases.
The foundation is urging the federal government to prioritize the rollout of the new, broader-coverage pneumococcal vaccines, which have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Mabel's parents believe that if this vaccine had been available three years ago, their precious daughter may still be alive today.
Renowned Paediatrician and Infectious Disease Researcher Professor Peter Richmond has highlighted the severity of pneumococcal infections, stating that it is only the tip of the iceberg. With a decline in vaccine coverage and the emergence of new strains of the bacterium, coupled with antibiotic resistance, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Catherine Hughes, the director, and founder of IFA, stressed the importance of the new immunizations, which can protect against a wider range of strains than the current jabs. She expressed frustration at the delay in the rollout due to bureaucratic red tape, stating that the risk of not having the best available protection against pneumococcal disease is simply too great.
This disease can have devastating consequences, including permanent disability and death. With over 100 strains of streptococcus pneumoniae, the new vaccines offer a better chance at protecting against the most common and severe strains. However, vaccination rates in children have fallen, and only 20% of young Australians are currently immunized against the disease.
In order to stay updated on all the latest in breaking news, sports, politics, and weather, download the 9News app and receive notifications straight to your smartphone. This includes important updates on the progress of the new pneumococcal vaccine and other key developments in the fight against this deadly disease. Let us all work together to protect our loved ones and ensure a safer future for all.
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