**Ensuring Equitable Access to Childhood Immunisations in Australia and New Zealand**
In the global fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, equitable access to immunisations plays a pivotal role. In Australia and New Zealand, national immunisation programs provide funded vaccinations against various diseases, but disparities exist in the availability of certain vaccines across different jurisdictions.
National Immunisation Programs: Funding and Assessment
To be included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in Australia, a vaccine must be registered with the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and deemed clinically beneficial and cost-effective by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). Similarly, in New Zealand, vaccines require registration with Medsafe and assessment by Pharmac.
Addressing Vaccine Inequities
Despite these processes, inequities persist in vaccine access. For instance, meningococcal B (MenB), which poses a greater risk of severe illness, has a free vaccine in South Australia, Queensland, and New Zealand. However, in other Australian states and territories, it’s only available without charge to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and individuals with certain medical conditions.
The Case of RSV: A Timely Example
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory infection in infants, leading to hospitalisations and potentially severe complications. While programs to immunise infants against RSV have emerged in Western Australia and Queensland, they’re currently not available in other Australian states or New Zealand. This disparity highlights the need for a coordinated approach.
Universal vs Targeted Funding: Balancing Costs and Coverage
Funding vaccines only for high-risk groups can be more cost-effective but may hinder overall vaccine coverage. The example of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines shows that universal vaccination can lead to increased uptake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Beyond Australia and New Zealand: Global Vaccine Inequity
Vaccine inequities extend beyond these two nations. In low- and middle-income countries, the cost of vaccines poses a significant obstacle. This inequality raises ethical concerns and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access to essential immunisations.
Conclusion
Ensuring equitable access to childhood immunisations is crucial for safeguarding public health and promoting social justice. By addressing funding disparities, simplifying assessment processes, and adopting universal vaccination strategies where appropriate, Australia and New Zealand can take a lead in protecting all vulnerable children from vaccine-preventable diseases, regardless of their location.
Mehek 
Divya