NZ Lags While Vaccine Takes On In Australia

Uptake of cervical cancer vaccine in Australia exceeds all expectations - while New Zealand looks on.

Uptake of Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine, in Australia through the National Immunisation Programme in secondary schools has been highly successful, CSL Limited said today.

Amongst the eligible school-based population, vaccine distribution and usage is running at levels not previously achieved in other vaccination programmes in this age group. In some Australian states, the uptake rate has been as high as 80-90%.

“This outstanding result could not have been achieved without the sustained commitment of Federal and State Governments to the programme”, public health physician in Australia Dr Jeffrey Hanna said.

In contrast, in the recent Budget, the New Zealand Government, despite a positive recommendation by the Ministry of Health, decided not to fund the introduction of a national cervical cancer vaccination programme in this country.

In addition to the vaccination programme in Australian schools, a programme to vaccinate women aged 18-26 through General Practice commenced in all States and Territories in July and will continue until mid-2009.

“Traditionally it has been difficult to get young people to commit to a course of vaccines in General Practice, but the National HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Programme has evoked wide interest,” Australian Rural GP Dr Jenny May commented.

“Young women are highly motivated to take up vaccination and have responded well to the public education campaign. GPs are reporting excellent uptake of the vaccine in women aged 18-26 years”.

“The vaccination programme, in combination with regular pap smears, is ensuring that a generation of women is protected against cervical cancer. It is a clear indication that Australian Governments and the public have demonstrated their commitment to immunisation. Vaccination is one of the world’s most effective public health interventions and young women in the eligible age groups should take up this opportunity to protect themselves from cervical cancer and cervical disease,” Dr Hanna said.

CSL has confirmed that in spite of the greater than expected demand, it is able to supply the full needs of the programme without difficulty.

Gardasil is available in NZ as a privately funded prescription medicine.

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