08-November-2005
Goldstein Media Releases, Health
From November 1 2005 certain age groups will be eligible for free chickenpox vaccinations as part of the Federal Governments National Immunisation Program.
The chickenpox vaccination will be available for all children born on or after 1 May 2004, and there will be a catch-up program undertaken for children aged between 10 and 13 who have not had the vaccine and who have not had chickenpox.
Also, from November, children will be able to receive an injectable polio vaccine instead of the oral vaccine.
Chickenpox has the potential to cause serious complications such as skin infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Each year seven Australians die from chickenpox and around 240,000 are affected, resulting in 1,500 hospitalisations. However, this disease is preventable with the vaccination.
Previously parents had to pay up to $55 per dose of the chickenpox vaccination resulting in many children missing out on the vaccine. It is hoped that this new funding will increase the uptake of this vaccine, protecting more young Australians.
Since the Howard Government came to office in 1996, spending on vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program has experienced a 22 fold increase with 2004-05 spending being estimated at $285 million.
Eligible people should contact their local GP or immunisation provider.
Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 316 620