Foundation Chair Gerard Rushton said the cluster of cases was a stark reminder of how devastating and fast-moving meningococcal disease could be.
"The loss of three lives in such a short time is utterly heartbreaking.
"Every case of meningococcal disease is a tragedy but knowing that some of these deaths could have been prevented with wider vaccine access makes it even harder to accept," Mr Rushton said.
Access to the two meningococcal vaccines (one for Meningococcal B and another for A, C, W and Y strains) had limited public funding in New Zealand via Pharmac and access was restricted for many families.
There were significant, demonstrated savings to the health system from vaccination, Mr Rushton said.
The cost to the health system for treatment was much higher than the cost to extend access to vaccines.
The lack of action in addressing inequity of access to vaccines was unnecessarily putting lives at risk.
"We are deeply concerned that too many tamariki remain unprotected against a disease that can take a life in hours.
"We call upon the government to progress widening access to these vaccines so that cost and circumstance are never barriers to protection.
"We cannot wait until more families are grieving the loss of a loved one to act.
"These are preventable deaths, and prevention is always better than cure".
Meningococcal disease could strike suddenly and symptoms were often mistaken for common illnesses.
The Foundation urged whanau, schools and communities to remain vigilant and for the government, Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to act quickly to ensure equitable access to all available meningococcal vaccines.
The Meningitis Foundation had submitted an application to Pharmac to widen access to funded vaccines for meningitis to all adolescents between 13 and 25 years.
The recent cases reinforced the need for Pharmac and the government to move quickly as lives were at stake, Mr Rushton said.
