The Australian model of immunization advice and vaccine funding

Article about the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), from Vaccine, Volume 28, Supplement 1, 19 April 2010, A76-A83. The Australian Government has implemented new arrangements for public funding of vaccines over the past 5 years. By utilising the standard Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) application process, whether for funding under the National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIP) or under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), a predictable and transparent process for vaccine funding recommendations has been established. This process uses the high-level technical resources available through the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to ensure that both vaccine manufacturers and the PBAC are optimally informed about all relevant aspects of population benefits and delivery of vaccines. ATAGI has a long-standing and mutually beneficial dialogue with State and Territory Governments, providers, and vaccine manufacturers to ensure that pipeline awareness, supply issues, and all relevant scientific and clinical details are well understood.