Influenza Vaccinations

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:50): A supplementary arising from the answer: if there were capped distributions, does that mean there was rationing of flu vaccinations before that date?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:50): I can assure the house that what the Communicable Disease Control Branch clinicians did this year was exactly what they have done in previous years, which is to make sure that the first orders of the season are equitably distributed.

It's important to make sure that in the first round, all of the 700 immunisation providers in our network receive a supply. My understanding was that in early April, immunisation providers were advised that the capped orders would last for a month. That was about 9 April, something like that. They were lifted on 17 April. What that suggests to me is that there was a very effective distribution, and I am delighted that since 17 April capped distributions to manage supply have not been used.