The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provides independent advice to the Minister for Health on the Immunise Australia Program and other related issues.

In addition to technical experts, ATAGI’s membership includes a consumer representative and general practitioners.

The Terms of Reference of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation are to:

  • provide technical advice to the Minister for Health on the medical administration of vaccines available in Australia, including those on the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
  • through the department, provide advice to research funding bodies regarding the status of current immunisation research and areas where additional research is required
  • advise the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) on matters relating to the ongoing strength of evidence pertaining to existing, new and emerging vaccines in relation to their effectiveness and use in Australian populations
  • consult with relevant organisations to produce the Australian Immunisation Handbook 
  • consult with the National Immunisation Committee (NIC) on the content and format of the Australian Immunisation Handbook and associated implementation strategies
  • consult with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) and the Advisory Committee on Vaccines (ACV) on matters relating to the implementation of immunisation policies, procedures and vaccine safety
  • provide advice on COVID-19 immunisation programs and policies, to improve confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines as they become available in Australia.

ATAGI meet regularly and provide bulletins detailing the important outcomes from meetings. These bulletins, COVID-19 vaccination statements and weekly updates are available via the ATAGI website.

The vaccine PBAC outcomes are also publicly available.

Resources

Author: Nigel Crawford (Director, SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)

Reviewed by: Francesca Machingaifa (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)

Date: August 2021

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.