Question Number: 154
PDR Number: SQ22-000523
Date Submitted: 21/11/2022
Department or Body: Department of Health
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) aims to increase national immunisation coverage to help reduce diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. It provides free essential vaccines to protect eligible people against a range of diseases. The National Health Act 1953 requires a positive recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) before a vaccine can be added to the NIP. If recommended by PBAC, the Government can then make a decision to provide the vaccine through the NIP. The Government has continued to provide COVID vaccines free of charge to all eligible Australians.
