11. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Can his ministry include Gardasil in the national immunisation programme earlier than 2008, given the Cancer Control Council’s opinion that the vaccine offers a unique window of opportunity to address inequalities around cancer; if not, why not?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
I can confirm that the next time changes will be made to the National Immunisation Schedule will be in 2008, and that Gardasil is under consideration for inclusion at that time. However, I must also say to the member that there are other vaccines under consideration, including one for pneumococcal disease, which includes meningitis.
Are the Ministry of Health’s deliberations on the addition of Gardasil to the National Immunisation Schedule related solely to financial considerations?
They are certainly not related solely to financial considerations, although both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are taken into account. If we have to buy it, we have to be able to pay for it.
Sue MoroneyImplementing a change to the National Immunisation Schedule takes 12 to 15 months after a decision is made to include a new vaccine. Information for patients, training of health professionals to administer the vaccine, and establishment of the safety regime around the vaccine are all required beforehand. These are matters that are well understood by the immunisation community.
Is the Minister aware of the reported association between the incidence of cervical cancer and socio-economic deprivation; if so, is it morally acceptable that Gardasil is currently available from general practitioners at around $450, which puts it well beyond the reach of many of the people who would benefit from it most?
I think the member makes a good point, but I say back to her that whether or not we have Gardasil, this country will continue to need ongoing cervical screening. I say further that that screening needs to reach more assertively towards parts of our population that tend to access it less. That is what we will need to do with screening, no matter what we do with Gardasil.