Government responds to calls for pneumococcal vaccine funding
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today the Federal Government's decision to fund pneumococcal vaccination for children and people over 65 years of age will provide comfort for families and the community.
Dr Glasson said the AMA, other medical and health groups and community organisations have lobbied strongly for this decision for some time.
"It is the right decision and it is a sensible public health decision," Dr Glasson said.
"The vaccine will protect the health of many Australians, especially babies, young children and the elderly.
"The Government has had a commendable record of raising the rates of childhood immunisation, and today's decision reaffirms its commitment to protecting the community against preventable disease.
"The addition of pneumococcal vaccine to the funded immunisation schedule will prevent sickness and hardship for many families in the future," Dr Glasson said.
Under the Government's plan, Prevenar, the childhood pneumococcal vaccine, will be available free of charge to all babies born after 1 January 2005 and to all children born since 1 January 2003.
The Government will also fully fund pneumococcal vaccine to all Australians aged 65 years and older from 1 January 2005.
"Minister Abbott is currently considering funding IPV and varicella vaccinations, which are also on the Government's recommended immunisation schedule," Dr Glasson said.
"I strongly encourage the Minister to fund both these vaccines, which would see the Government's recommended immunisation schedule fully funded.
"This would be a huge achievement for the Government, one that would be warmly welcomed by the Australian community.
"It's essential that all future governments of whatever persuasion take the advice of their scientific and medical experts in order to maintain Australia's impressive immunisation rates," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306