30 May 2016 - PHARMAC is asking the public for feedback on proposals to widen funding access to the varicella (chickenpox) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, as well as other changes to funded vaccines.

The proposals are for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine to be funded for all children, and for the restriction on funding for the HPV vaccine for females to be removed, which would mean it is funded for males under 26 as well, says PHARMAC Director of Operations Sarah Fitt.

The proposed changes to vaccines has resulted from a successful request for proposals (RFP) process and follows recent consultations looking to fund a range of proposals including treatments for hepatitis C and advanced melanoma.

“Access to vaccines is an important issue for New Zealanders, and we’ve received a lot of feedback about widening access to the varicella and HPV vaccines, including from our expert clinical advisers” says Ms Fitt.

“PHARMAC has worked constructively with suppliers to negotiate significant savings which provide opportunities for these important vaccines to be made available to more people.”

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news/media-2016-05-30-vaccines-consultations/