Government Does Right Thing on Gardasil
AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that the Government has done the right thing by putting the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, on the National Immunisation Programme, but warns that cervical cancer screening for older women must be stepped up.
The Government will from next year fund Gardasil for girls and women aged 12 to 26.
Dr Haikerwal congratulated the Prime Minister and the Health Minister, Tony Abbott, on showing confidence in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council (PBAC) process by requesting a revised submission after the original Gardasil submission was rejected.
"The Government has put the health of Australian women ahead of the Budget bottom line," Dr Haikerwal said.
"It has also shown faith in the PBAC process to ensure that an important and proven vaccine is available to reduce the risk of cervical cancer occurring in the community.
"The PBAC process ensures that all Australians will have access to the latest innovations in medicines and vaccines into the future, and we are pleased that this process has not been sidestepped.
"However, today's funding decision does not remove or lessen the need for normal checks and screening programs for women up to 70 years of age.
"In fact, we must step up cervical cancer screening for the higher risk 45-plus age group through regular Pap smears."
Dr Haikerwal welcomed the Government's funding of a two-year catch-up program for 13 to 18 year old girls in schools and 18 to 26 year old women to be delivered through GPs, and also noted the responsible action of vaccine maker, CSL, in reducing the price of Gardasil in its revised PBAC submission.
"The AMA looks forward to working with the Government in implementing delivery of the vaccine and looking at ways to increase cervical screening rates among older Australian women," Dr Haikerwal said.