Posted by Michael Wonder on 11 Dec 2016
Zostavax listed on the NIP
1 November 2016 - Zostavax has been approved to be placed on the NIP, to be provided free of charge from 1 November 2016 to people aged 70 years, subject to vaccine supply.
There will also be a five year catch-up program for people aged 71 – 79 years. The Department is working to progress the provision of the Zostavax vaccine to all eligible Australians as rapidly as possible.
The implementation of new vaccination programs under the NIP is a major task that takes approximately 12-18 months from receipt of Government funding approval. This time is required for activities such as the procurement of vaccine; vaccine safety surveillance planning; development of appropriate communications; and negotiation with states and territories regarding implementation requirements and timing. In the case of the Zostavax vaccine, time is also required to develop and roll out an adult vaccination register.
