About the Program
An Australian, State and Territory Government initiative, the Immunise Australia Program aims to increase national immunisation rates for vaccine preventable diseases.
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them in the community. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by reducing the spread of disease.
The Immunise Australia Program implements the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule which currently includes vaccines against a total of 16 diseases. The Australian Government provides funding for:
- State and Territory governments to obtain vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in accordance with the list of Designated Vaccines.
- Medicare Australia for:
- The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR);
- The General Practice Immunisation Incentives Scheme (GPII); and
- Subsidising individual private consultations which involve immunisation through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
- The Victorian Cytology Service for the administration of the National HPV Vaccination Program Register.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provides advice to the Minister for Health and Ageing on the Immunise Australia Program, the medical administration of vaccines available in Australia, including those on the National Immunisation Program, and other related issues. In addition to technical experts, ATAGI’s membership includes a consumer representative, a nurse and general practitioners.
The Office of Health Protection, within the Department of Health and Ageing, is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of national immunisation policies and programs.
Page last modified: 15 January, 2013