❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about discriminatory access to free influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, particularly regarding eligibility criteria for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. The Minister acknowledges the disparity, attributing it to higher disease burden in Aboriginal communities and funding limitations.
AnsweredQoN 215Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In an advertisement at page 19 in The Kimberley Echo on 1 April 2004, it is stated that free influenza vaccinations are available to Aboriginals 50 years old and over; Aboriginals 15 years to 49 years who have a sickness, smoke or drink alcohol; and non-Aboriginals who are 65 years and over. (1) Can the minister advise whether this advertisement is correct in its qualification criteria for a free flu vaccination in this State? (2) If yes to (1), why is there this blatant discrimination against the non-Aboriginal population who are either under the age of 65 or are aged more than 15 years old who are ill, smoke or drink alcohol? (3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(1) Can the minister advise whether this advertisement is correct in its qualification criteria for a free flu vaccination in this State? (2) If yes to (1), why is there this blatant discrimination against the non-Aboriginal population who are either under the age of 65 or are aged more than 15 years old who are ill, smoke or drink alcohol? (3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(2) If yes to (1), why is there this blatant discrimination against the non-Aboriginal population who are either under the age of 65 or are aged more than 15 years old who are ill, smoke or drink alcohol? (3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(1) Can the minister advise whether this advertisement is correct in its qualification criteria for a free flu vaccination in this State? (2) If yes to (1), why is there this blatant discrimination against the non-Aboriginal population who are either under the age of 65 or are aged more than 15 years old who are ill, smoke or drink alcohol? (3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(2) If yes to (1), why is there this blatant discrimination against the non-Aboriginal population who are either under the age of 65 or are aged more than 15 years old who are ill, smoke or drink alcohol? (3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(3) Does this same discrimination also apply to other forms of vaccination - for example, pneumococcal vaccinations; and, if so, why? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(1) Yes. The eligibility criteria for the commonwealth-funded free influenza vaccination described in the advertisement are correct. The influenza vaccination program is fully funded by the Commonwealth, and as such it sets the terms of the agreement and the eligibility criteria for free vaccination. The general terms and eligibility are the same for each State and Territory. (2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(2) The increased eligibility for Aboriginal people is due to the higher burden of disease, pneumonia and complications of influenza from influenza in that population. There are certainly non-Aboriginal groups with chronic illnesses who would benefit from a broader influenza vaccination program. At present the Commonwealth has not agreed to fund free vaccinations for those other groups. That is because the majority of influenza complications occur in those age 65 years and older. The cost of influenza vaccine to a health care cardholder is $3.80, and it is $21.80 for those without a health care card. (3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
(3) Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility criteria for free flu vaccinations are also eligible for commonwealth-funded free pneumococcal vaccinations. Again, this is due to the higher burden of disease from pneumococcal infection among Aboriginal people. The provision of the vaccine to this group has greatly reduced hospitalisation due to pneumonia. The Communicable Disease Control Directorate has raised with the Commonwealth Government the issue of free pneumococcal vaccine for all persons over the age of 65 and for those with chronic respiratory illness. This is an important matter and the State will continue to request funding for a broader program.
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