As from the beginning of 2007 the Commonwealth Government (Australia) will pay for the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, for females aged 12-26. The vaccine will be on the National Immunisation Program on an ongoing basis for 12-13 year-old girls – to be given at school. A two-year catch-up program will also be publicly funded for 13-18 year-old girls (at school). Women aged 18-26 will be vaccinated, free-of-charge, by their GPs.
The Australian government estimates the whole cost will be about $436 (Australian dollars) for the 2006-2007 and 2009-2010 programs.
The vaccine makers, CSL, initially submitted the vaccine for approval to the PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee) in November 2005. The PBAC turned down public funding as there were concerns about the program’s cost-effectiveness. Tony Abbott, Health Minister, asked the PBAC to consider a revised submission, which included an immunisation program through schools. The PBAC agreed to have another look. CSL accepted a lower price for Gardasil, and committed to a substantial booster program (if necessary) over the next two decades. The PBAC finally decided that a publicly funded Gardasil program was cost-effective.
Tony Abbott says the accelerated timeframe for consideration did not compromise the quality of the decision-making process.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today