Page 2702 - Week 09 - Thursday, 9 August 1990
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Influenza Vaccine
DR KINLOCH: Yesterday we were raising questions about gender equity and so forth. My question, which is to the Minister for Health, is to do with age equity. Those over 60 are especially concerned with this, although I am told those over 29 are also concerned with it! Earlier this year there were many reports in the media regarding a shortage of influenza vaccine in the ACT and the possibility of an epidemic during the Australian winter. Has there been the predicted outbreak?
Ms Follett: We have had that question before!
MR HUMPHRIES: Members opposite obviously are confusing this with an earlier question to do with whether there would be sufficient flu vaccines for an expected flu outbreak in Canberra this winter. Given that winter is now five-sixths over, I think it is appropriate to comment on Dr Kinloch's question.
In the last session members raised that question of the flu epidemic spreading from the Northern Hemisphere winter, and I assured the Assembly that there was no cause for concern. I passed on the advice of the Chief Health Officer as to when members of the community should consider vaccination. While there was an increased Australian production of the vaccine, high demand led to shortages and additional supplies were imported. Fortunately, there has been little influenza activity, either in the ACT or throughout Australia, to this point.
I commend the work of the community and public health workers for the part that they play in keeping the ACT influenza free. Unfortunately, there has been a disturbing fall-off in vaccinations in Australia. It is important that we ensure that even if there are not imminent threats of particular diseases, illness or viruses, we make the effort to properly vaccinate ourselves.
Mr Duby wants me to quote an extract from Choice magazine on the question of immunisation. I would be pleased to do so under other circumstances, but in view of the fact that members opposite are obviously bored and restless, I will not - - -
Mr Duby: Give me the rhyme!
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Duby wants me to read the rhyme, so I will give him the rhyme. It comes from this month's Choice magazine:
To immunise or not to immunise - that is the question;.
Whether 'tis better to run the risk
Of the dire effects of dread disease
Or to grasp the benefits of vaccines against a sea of infections
And by opposing end them?
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