Young Australians with PANS/PANDAS are losing access to vital IVIG treatment when they turn 19. Their illness doesn’t stop at 19, but their eligibility does.

In April 2025, Australia’s national criteria for IVIG access were changed to specify that the PANS/PANDAS indication applies only to patients aged 18 years or younger.

This age based cut off means young people who have relied on IVIG to remain stable, continue their education, participate in everyday life and maintain their independence can lose access simply because they have had a birthday.

Treatment should be based on clinical need, treatment response and individual circumstances, not age alone

We are calling on Australian governments and blood product authorities to remove the age 18 eligibility limit for PANS/PANDAS and ensure continuity of IVIG for young people with childhood onset PANS/PANDAS where treatment remains clinically necessary and effective.

Growing older should mean transitioning care, not losing care.