The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended expanding vaccine access, endorsing COVID-19 and RSV immunisation programs, and suggesting new listings across oncology, cardiology, and rare diseases. The committee's December 2025 meeting focused on vaccine inclusion, with a particular emphasis on the Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine for adults at higher risk of severe disease. This recommendation aligns with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidelines. Additionally, the PBAC supported a platform recommendation for timely access to future COVID-19 vaccines, considering the evolving nature of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The committee also addressed respiratory disease prevention, endorsing the Arexvy RSV vaccine for older adults and specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Beyond immunisation, the PBAC made several recommendations, including an amendment to the PBS restriction for eplerenone for heart failure treatment, a change to the PBS listing for hydroxychloroquine tablets, and clarifications for nusinersen access for spinal muscular atrophy patients. In oncology, the PBAC suggested a revised proposal for pembrolizumab, allowing a broad multi-cancer PBS listing. For rare diseases, the committee recommended the PBS listing of velmanase alfa for alpha-mannosidosis. These recommendations are subject to price negotiations and federal health minister approval, ensuring cost-effectiveness and equitable access to essential treatments.
