12. Hon TONY RYALL (National—Bay of Plenty) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
In the event of a pandemic, who are the priority groups that will qualify for Tamiflu?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Acting Minister of Health) Link to this
There are no predetermined priority groups. In fact, until a pandemic actually transpires it is impossible to determine who will be most affected. Decisions on the use of antivirals will be made by the Pandemic Influenza Technical Advisory Group, with expert advice, as any pandemic unfolds.
What action will the Minister take to manage the increasing public perception that Tamiflu is the major answer to bird flu?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
With the release of a plan, as was done yesterday, and by keeping the public fully informed about the realities of this possible pandemic, we believe that we are doing everything possible to keep the public fully informed. Tamiflu is not the answer to a pandemic. It is one of a number of things that will no doubt evolve if—and, hopefully, not when—we have to respond to this.
As a draft list of priority groups has been drawn up by the Ministry of Health, will the Minister release that list publicly so that people in business and the emergency services can include that information in their planning for a pandemic?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I am not aware of that draft list, but until a pandemic is emerging—until we have an actual outbreak—it is impossible for us to predetermine what groups, be they ethnic, geographical, or otherwise, may be affected by it. It will be up to the expert advisory group to make recommendations to the Government at that time.
Darien FentonWhat information has the Government made publicly available about the response to a possible influenza pandemic?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
Yesterday the Government released a New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Action Plan. The plan is a working document to assist Government agencies, district health boards, and communities across New Zealand with their planning. New Zealand is at the forefront of international planning to combat a possible influenza pandemic. Our plan is based on the most up-to-date knowledge we have about the possible ways that an influenza pandemic will affect people and how it could affect New Zealand society and our economy.
Should individuals stockpile a supply of Tamiflu; if not, what advice does the Government have for the substantial part of the population who will not get access to this antiviral treatment?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
As soon as this Government was aware of a possible pandemic, we took immediate action. In fact, in December 2004 we identified the need for Tamiflu and ordered stocks. We currently have stockpiles that cover 21 percent of the population. That is at the highest levels internationally, and it compares well with the United States, which has enough to cover just 7 percent of the population. Japan has 20 percent coverage, and Australia has 20 percent. We believe we are doing everything possible and everything sensible to plan for this possible pandemic. There is no need for panic, and there is no need to advise every single New Zealander that he or she needs to stock Tamiflu.
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
There is no advice internationally that every individual in the world should stockpile Tamiflu. Neither have we issued any such advice. However, what we would offer to every New Zealander is the age-old advice about personal hygiene. Regular washing of hands, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and keeping fingernails clean and short are also—[ Interruption] and Panadol—very sensible ways of countering any possible pandemic.