The six-month-old, who remains in a stable condition at Launceston General Hospital, is the fourth case of the B strain in Tasmania this year. 

There have also been five cases of W strain and one case of Y strain.

Public Health Services director Dr Mark Veitch said the department was working with the child’s family to minimise further infection. 

Currently, the government’s free meningococcal vaccine program only covers the disease’s ACWY strains, with B strain vaccinations available via private prescription from a GP. 

When asked if the state government would consider subsidising a B strain vaccine, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said he would continue to take the advice of health experts. 

“I raised the prospect of meningococcal B vaccinations with other state and federal health ministers. This resulted in the Australian Government agreeing to do everything it can to accelerate consideration of the B strain vaccination on the PBS,” he said.

“Furthermore, the federal minister has made the unprecedented announcement that if he receives medical evidence to list it, he will have it funded and listed as part of the National Immunisation Program.”

The vaccination program started in July, in response to an outbreak of meningococcal W in the state’s South.

The uptake free vaccines in the North has been lower than other parts of the state, with public health figures showing almost 10,000 eligible people across the Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar regions have not received the free vaccine.

In September Launceston teenager Alex Beaumont became the first confirmed Northern case of the B strain.  

It came just days after the diagnosis of a four year-old girl from East Devonport, also with the B strain.