Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Communications) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Griff. I have sought advice from the Minister for Health on your question. As you may be aware, in order for a vaccine to be included on the NIP, it must be registered by the TGA and recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The committee has agreed to expedite its consideration of this vaccine ahead of the flu season for this year, and the outcome of their consideration will be communicated publicly as soon as it's finalised.

The government worked with companies to ensure that expedited submissions were provided to the PBAC so that they could be made available to the Australian community as soon as possible. In January 2018, the committee considered applications for the two strengthened vaccines for use in Australia for adults aged 65 years and over. Following the announcement of the outcomes of this PBAC meeting, administrative arrangements will be progressed for listing on the NIP.