National Immunisation Program

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:53): Does the minister have an approximate idea as to when a decision will be made on that review?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:53): Just to clarify, it is a review to government, so then once the review is received we would have to consider the recommendations. If I can take the opportunity to unpack the honourable member's question slightly more, the challenges of the influenza vaccination program and other vaccination programs in 2020 will need to be considered in the context of the COVID vaccine. If indeed we have a COVID vaccine, it will be putting pressure on our distribution networks that we would otherwise be using for those other immunisation programs.

I would like to pay tribute to the federal government. The work they have done to secure COVID vaccine supplies is commendable. I am also grateful that the Hon. Greg Hunt, the federal minister, and his department have already engaged the states and territories to start planning for vaccine distribution. We are very appreciative of the leadership that they are providing in that regard, but it will not be without challenge, not only for the commonwealth but certainly for each state and territory government and our partners, such as community pharmacists. These are challenges that we will need to face together.