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Last Modified 1/2/99
Under a new Commonwealth initiative, two vaccines, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, will be provided free to target groups.
The flu vaccine will be provided to all people aged 65 and older and to indigenous people older than 50 years. The vaccine will be promoted as being free and available from GPs from March 1. This timing coincides with the NHMRC general recommendation that autumn is the best time for influenza vaccination in anticipation of winter outbreaks in March.
The pneumococcal vaccine will also be available to indigenous people. The target population will be all those older than 50, as well as those in the 15-50 age group who meet the NHMRC recommendations for immunisation based on risk factor assessment. Both the flu and pneumococcal vaccines will be available through service providers such as GPs, community controlled Aboriginal Medical Services and State/Territory clinics.
In most cases, the vaccines will be made available to GPs via the same mechanisms as routine childhood vaccines. People eligible for these vaccines will no longer require a vaccine prescription, nor will they have to collect the vaccine from a pharmacy.
Between now and March, the Commonwealth, in consultation with the State and Territory health departments, will be working towards informing GPs of these two programs. All GPs should shortly receive a kit containing information on the influenza and pneumococcal diseases; use of the vaccines; time lines for vaccine distribution; and contact details for more information. Also, each practice will receive fact sheets for their patients, a poster for their waiting room and vaccine delivery, re-ordering and reporting details.
Further information from Amanda Rattray, Immunisation and Public Health Program Officer, Immunise Australia Program, (02) 9669 2499
Discussion
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New free vaccines Christine Staples, cstaples@pmdgp.org.au Posted 17/10/2000 9:12 AM Dear Amanda, How did you get onto this web page, I was searching for info on pneumococcal vaccines and I found you. If this reaches you, maybe you can answer some questions I have anyway. We have a GP up in the bush with a group of aboriginal children, he has just tested their hearing and most of them have hearing loss. What is the criteria for the free pneumovax, and I also want to know if we can include these children in the under 2 years 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine trial. Any comments. Thanks Amanda from Chris Staples |
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