In Australia, there is a debate over the future roll-out of the new cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil.
On Wednesday, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee decided that Gardasil was too expensive. The committee has acknowledged that Gardasil is a significant vaccine but says there is not enough information from CSL on how long the vaccine remains effective, whether a booster may be needed and, if so, how to determine the right people for follow-up.
The finding was disputed by the vaccine’s founder and this year’s Australian of the Year, Ian Frazer, who said the evidence showed the vaccine’s protection was long-term.
The Federal Government and the vaccine company CSL finally moved closer to an agreement on the price of a cervical cancer vaccine to protect as many as 2 million girls and women.