How one quick jab might have saved little Arthur from a near-death experience
A young boy’s tale of surviving potentially fatal meningococcal B is highlighting the value of vaccination.
Arthur James 3, poses for a photo in an ambulance outside Parliament House in Brisbane, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Arthur and his family thanked paramedics that ultimately saved his life from meningococcal meningitis. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
Three-year-old Arthur developed high temperatures, lethargy, and was writhing in pain when his parents called triple zero earlier in 2024.
Paramedics identified symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and administered intravenous antibiotics, saving his life.
The youngster, who had not been previously vaccinated, was reunited with paramedics at Queensland Parliament on Wednesday when he gave them signed “thank you” certificates.
“I can’t stress the importance of getting the vaccination, the (Queensland Ambulance Service) staff here saved Arthur’s life,” dad Garth said.
More than 17,800 meningococcal B vaccines have been administered across Queensland since a free program was launched on March 1.
They are available at GPs, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services for all infants and children aged less than two, as well as adolescents aged 15 to 19.
Vaccines had previously cost up to $100, leaving access out of reach for some families.
“Meningococcal B had been on the rise in Queensland the last few years which is why it was so important that we acted,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
The state government is investing $90 million over three years into the free vaccine program.
