There has never been a better time to quit vaping, as today marks the commencement of the first stage of the Albanese Government’s vaping reforms: the ban on importation of disposable single use vapes.
These changes will protect Australians, particularly young people, from the harms of vaping and nicotine dependence, while ensuring those with a legitimate need to access therapeutic vapes can continue to do so, where clinically appropriate.
The latest data, from the Australian Secondary Schools Alcohol and Drug survey shows that about one in eight 12- to 15-year-olds and one in five 16- to 17-year-olds had vaped in the past month.
Approximately 80 per cent of these young people were using disposable vaping devices. Nearly one-third of students tried vaping for the first time when they were aged 15 or 16, while 23 per cent of students reported being 12 years or younger.
From today, every doctor and nurse practitioner will be able to prescribe therapeutic vaping products, where clinically appropriate, with the commencement of a new Special Access Scheme pathway.
The Government recognises that health practitioners play an important role in supporting people to quit smoking and vaping.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals to ensure it is up-to-date and in line with best practice.
These updates will incorporate guidance on vaping cessation strategies, including provision of support to young people. Draft interim guidance reflecting the changes are now available.
The Government has committed $29.5 million over four years for specialised programs and health service expansions to meet increased demand to support people to quit smoking and vaping arising from the new tobacco and vaping reforms:
- new clinical guidance for health professionals on smoking and vaping cessation, building on the RACGP’s work
- the creation of an online cessation hub that contains information, tools, resources and linkages to direct people to the best support mechanisms to assist them quit smoking and vaping
- the redevelopment of the My Quit Buddy app to provide both smoking and vaping cessation support, and
- expansion of state and territory Quitline services to support equitable access across the country.
In addition, the Quit Centre has been funded until 2025, to develop and deliver training, resources and tools to ensure health professionals are well placed to provide support for smoking and vaping cessation.
For free confidential support to quit smoking or vaping, call the Quitline on 13 78 48. You can also head to Quit Now, to find updated resources to support quitting smoking and vaping.
