Is Australia’s vaccination strategy missing the mark?

Pharma News: Could Australia’s adult vaccination rates be improved if they were made affordable and easier for people to obtain?

During the 2022 election campaign, the Albanese Labor Government committed to implementing the National Preventative Health Strategy which calls for at least 5% of total health spending invested in preventive health. The recent Federal Budget failed to demonstrate a bold move towards this target.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Brooke, said the organisation’s new Vital vaccines for Australian adults paper found the COVID pandemic had irrevocably changed the landscape when it came to adult vaccination rates, with misinformation a key driver of the nation’s low take-up.

“Australia’s child vaccination coverage is world-leading. Our adult coverage is not,” Brooke said.

“For Australian adults, the most common barriers to receiving vaccination are out-of-pocket costs, not knowing which vaccines are free, and not knowing which vaccines to get, or when.”

Lung Foundation Australia is advocating to help turn adult vaccination rates around; in particular for COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumococcal disease, Whooping cough and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“Australia has targets for child and adolescent vaccination, but not for adults,” he said. “Targets focus efforts and the allocation of resources, create accountability for funders, and demonstrate the importance of vaccination to the community.

“Additionally, vaccine-preventable respiratory infections affect the health of the one-in-three Australians living with a lung disease, more than others, and this is something which should be especially focused on.”

The recently launched Pfizer Breakthrough Nation report highlights that “Treating a person once they are sick, especially when they require hospitalisation, is much more expensive than keeping them well. But our health system doesn’t prioritise prevention”, despite the significant cost and workforce challenges it faces currently.

“If we truly prioritise prevention and invest in it, it has multiplying effects at an individual and at a societal level,” stated Anne Harris, Managing Director for ANZ & Developed Asia at Pfizer in an interview with Health Industry Hub.

A new strategy is set to guide the nation’s immunisation efforts over the next five years. With the current National Immunisation Strategy (NIS) expiring in December 2024, the Department of Health launched an accelerated public consultation from 22 May to 19 June.

Brooke said the COVID-19 pandemic heightened vaccination hesitancy, while community confusion about adult vaccination recommendations, availability, scheduling, and costs is also a stumbling-block.

“Australians want vaccination information and administration from primary care providers but barriers to clear communication and accessibility require system reform, provider upskilling and culturally-safe practices.

“Finally, it’s time for Australia to make all clinically recommended vaccinations free and accessible for everyone,” he emphasised.

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