What is our role?

NCIRS supports ATAGI by providing it with research and data on vaccine safety and effectiveness. It also contributes research into how peoples’ lives are affected by the disease (such as how serious the illness is, how long it lasts and how it affects daily life, including work) as well as impacts on the health system.

NCIRS is primarily funded by the Australian and NSW governments. To maintain our independence, we do not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies and adhere to strict standards preventing any conflict of interest. 
 

How does government make decisions about which vaccines to subsidise?

ATAGI advises the Australian Government on whether a vaccine should be included in the National Immunisation Program, which provides vaccines free of charge to eligible people.

To be publicly funded, the vaccine is also reviewed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee to make sure it provides good value for money.