Hansard debates

Ms SHEED (Shepparton) — (12 471) My question is for the Minister for Health. Several of my constituents, including medical practitioners, have raised concerns regarding childhood vaccinations. It has been brought to my attention that there is a problem associated with recording vaccinations in circumstances where parents present with their child prior to the child reaching exactly six weeks of age. Apparently the computer system will not register any child under that age, and accordingly parents are either vaccinating at that stage without the benefit of registration or being sent away to return at a later time. I am particularly concerned that this will impact on our less advantaged families, and it may have the effect of some babies not having the opportunity to be immunised. Is the minister aware of this anomaly, and what steps can be taken to remedy it?