Australian doctors call for a national immunisation register

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the announcement of a new national register of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinations but says it would be more cost effective to create a register for all vaccinations.

AMA president Dr. Rosanna Capolingua says the $23.5 million in Federal funding earmarked for the project could be used to develop and implement a 'whole-of-life' immunisation register.

Dr. Capolingua has called on the Rudd Government to create a single national immunisation register.

There is currently only a childhood vaccination register and the AMA says a national register for all vaccinations would prevent unnecessary immunisation or vaccinations and would also ensure that the country is well protected.

Dr. Capolingua says the National Human Papilloma Virus Register is an important part of the fight against cervical cancer, which will help remind girls and women when they need vaccine updates, and collect data on the program's effectiveness.

Dr. Capolingua says the efficient and cost-effective use of funds to establish a complete national whole-of-life register of all immunisations for all Australians should also be considered.

Dr. Capolingua says a properly administered register would provide a real benefit to patients as their doctor would be able to check a patient's immunisation status.

In the past the states, territories and medical groups have overwhelmingly supported a whole-of-life immunisation register and the AMA says the government needs to take action on a register that would maintain complete records.

The AMA says the issue is one of considerable importance to the health of all Australians and to the government's overall prevention agenda.