Influenza Vaccinations

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:28): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Does the minister stand by his claim that there are no supply problems with access to the flu vaccine, is the minister taking any action to make sure that South Australians can gain access to the vaccine given the horror start to the flu season, and on what date will the 2,000 flu vaccinations arrive at the Flinders Medical Centre to immunise doctors and nurses, as promised by the minister?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:28): I thank the honourable member for her cluster of questions. In relation to supply, I am advised that there are no problems with the supply of vaccines into South Australia. We have a very effective national immunisation program. The commonwealth manages supplies and I am assured that they have arrived in a timely fashion. In terms of the honourable member's question in relation to the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, up until the end of last week there had been 2,150 staff vaccinations, and I am advised that another 3,100 vaccines arrived today.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: How is it that doctors can't use supplies when they're not in their offices?

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, please restrain yourself, because if we listen to the minister then we might learn where the vaccines are.