Free flu vaccine for ATSI children in Far North Queensland
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have access to free flu vaccines this flu season thanks to the federal government’s Close the Gap program.
The announcement follows a recommendation from the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said almost 170,000 children to 14 years of age would be able to be vaccinated against the flu for free.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a significantly higher burden from influenza infection and are much more likely to be hospitalised with this disease,” he said
“This means all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children six months of age to 14 years old in Cape York and Torres Strait will now be able to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine at no cost through our national program, making it easier for parents and providers.”
The government will also commit $12 million over the next three years to expand their ‘Get the Facts about Immunisation’ campaign.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the campaign will educate more people in more areas about the importance of vaccines and immunisation.
“This brings the total investment in this campaign to $20 million over six years,” he said.
“This shows our government’s commitment to supporting parents to make informed decisions by providing evidence based information about immunisation.”
The new National Immunisation Strategy 2019–24 can be viewed on the new Australian Government Health website.
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