Mental HealthGPs And Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Call On Government To Prepare For Swine Flu Vaccine Rollout
GP groups and Aboriginal community controlled health services from around
the country have called on the Government to quickly engage with general
practices and Aboriginal community controlled health services in preparation
for the rollout of a Swine Flu vaccine.
In a letter to Health Minister Nicola Roxon, United General Practice Australia
(UGPA) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation (NACCHO) called on Government to start planning for the roll
out now.
A Swine Flu vaccine is currently undergoing clinical trials and is expected to
be available within months.
UGPA, representing the Australian Medical Association, the Australian
General Practice Network, the Royal Australian College of General
Practitioners, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, the Australian
College of Rural and Remote Medicine and General Practice Registrars
Australia, combined with NACCHO, stand ready to work with the
Government to support the rollout of the Swine Flu vaccine in an efficient and
effective way.
With more than 7,300 general practices, over 140 Aboriginal community
controlled health services, 23,000 GPs and 7,500 GP practice nurses across
the country - general practice and Aboriginal community controlled health
services are best placed to provide patients with access to the vaccine at the
local level and in a timely fashion.
The groups have welcomed the purchase of the vaccine but say effective
distribution networks, clinical protocols and other relevant information must
be established well ahead of delivery.
This means that the Government must start working with GP groups and
NACCHO now to reduce the risk of delay and consequent frustration within
the broader community.
The Australian Medical Association