Question NW3714 to the Minister of Health
28 October 2015 - NW3714
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether there is a shortage of the chicken pox vaccine in the country; if so, (a) for how long has there been a shortage, (b) what (i) are the reasons for the shortage and (ii) is his department doing to mitigate the situation and (c) when will the vaccine be available again; if not, (2) is he aware that parents who take their children to public health facilities are told that there is a shortage of the vaccine?
Reply:
- The Chicken Pox vaccine is not part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule in South Africa and is therefore not provided for in the public sector. The vaccine is provided for by the private sector where the shortage has been recognised.
- Since it is not part of the schedule of vaccines provided for in the public sector, there is no need for any form of action from the Department.
END.