Revamped PBS rules for COVID-19 antiviral and MenB vax now in effect
A new hexavalent vaccine for infants has also been added to the NIP.
Patients aged 50-59 with one chronic condition are now eligible for the COVID-19 antiviral nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) under the PBS.
The PBAC recommended the expanded criteria a week ago to ensure rapidly expiring stocks were used up, but until now, the timeline for the change was unclear.
Another recommended change, a permanent catch-up program for meningococcal B vaccination in Indigenous children, has also taken effect.
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) has funded three doses of GSK’s Bexsero for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children since 2020, with a catch-up program of two doses, given eight weeks apart, for Indigenous children aged under two.
