Paul Hutchison - National Party Health Spokesman

27 April 2005

Only one third of flu vaccine arrives

National’s Health spokesman, Paul Hutchison, says it is astounding that Annette King has still failed to commit to ensuring that New Zealanders have certainty of supply of the flu vaccine in the future, given the chaos this year.

“Reports today show family doctors are struggling to meet demand, with sick elderly patients turning up with the flu.

“I am told by one group of GPs in South Auckland that they have received only one third of the doses they ordered, and they haven’t heard a word from the Ministry as to when the remainder will arrive.

“It was predictable that chaos would occur, and the Minister, the Ministry and Pharmac should have been far more vigilant in ensuring a smooth rollout,” Dr Hutchison says.

ENDS

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