Free vaccination program starts in SA

South Australian babies and children will be the first in the nation to receive free Meningococcal B vaccines.

Four-year-old Riley Nixon lost his legs and hands to deadly meningococcal B disease. (AAP) Source: AAP

South Australian babies and young children will be the first in the nation to receive free Meningococcal B vaccinations, under a new program rolled out by the state government.

From Monday free vaccinations will be available for children aged between six weeks and under four years, saving parents up to $500.

"Meningococcal is a devastating illness which can cause death and permanent disability, and the B strain continues to be the most common strain of meningococcal in South Australia," Health Minister Stephen Wade said on Monday.