Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says swine flu vaccine maker CSL has been "cheeky" in suggesting the government has been hindering the release of the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.
"We placed our orders early and we have an arrangement with them (CSL) to fast track any of the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approvals that are needed, but we would not be in a position that we would approve an untested vaccine for release," Ms Roxon said.
"I certainly have no intention of doing anything that might put the broader community at risk, and we need this trial process to be undertaken."
Ms Roxon said the government's original estimate of the vaccine's release, late July or early August, was simply an early estimate and there was an "inherent unpredictability" in the way a vaccine could be developed.
"You would have to ask the manufacturers, CSL and others, who are also working on the vaccine around the world," Ms Roxon said when asked of a possible vaccine release date.
"CSL has been, in their public comments, quite premature on a number of occasions, perhaps even cheeky on a number of occasions, suggesting that the government is in any way hindering this process."
CSL has announced a vaccine trial will start in Adelaide in mid-July, and has called for healthy adults aged between 18-64 to participate.
CSL spokesperson Rachel David said she had not heard the government's claim that the vaccine maker had been making premature public comments.
"I'm not aware that there have been any disputes over that," Ms David said.
Ms Roxon said the vaccine might be available for distribution across the community in September or October.
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