GP Immunisation Incentives Scheme

14 May 2004
ABB063/04

GP Immunisation Incentives Scheme

The General Practice Immunisation Incentives (GPII) Scheme will continue to be funded.

Ongoing funding for the GPII Scheme has never been in question. Its funding comes from the Alternative Funding for General Practice program, which is worth more than $300 million a year. This was first announced in the 1998-99 Budget as an ongoing appropriation.

Annual ongoing funding is allocated for the Alternative Funding for General Practice program and the sub-programs within it do not need to be specifically listed as part of the budget health measures.

The aim of this Howard Government program, introduced in 1998, was to lift childhood immunisation rates to 90 per cent. This program has been successful in lifting the rates of children at 12 months from 53 per cent under Labor to more than 90 per cent now. In 1996,expenditure of vaccines was $13 million, in 2003-04 vaccine expenditure is expected to be $143 million.

For more information call Mr Abbott's office on ph 02 6277 7220.