Flu shot supplies dry up

Sharp increase in demand sees vaccine reserved for Geelong’s most vulnerable

GEELONG is starting to feel the strain on its flu vaccine stocks.

Flu jabs are being rationed for residents across the city as it experiences unprecedented demand for vaccinations.

It comes within days of Barwon Health declaring it was not facing any shortage in supplies.

But a spokeswoman for the organisation said its stock was now limited. “This year has seen unprecedented demand for flu vaccines,” she said.

“Limited stock is still available for vulnerable age groups: under five years, over 65 years and those with chronic health conditions.

“There is also limited private stock for other age groups.”

Earlier this week, Barwon Health revealed it had seen a 400 per cent increase in flu jabs in the first two weeks of May.

Immunisation service manager Caroline Poynder said the organisation was putting on extra sessions in Norlane, Newcomb and Ocean Grove to help take the pressure off its usual clinics.

The demand for vaccinations is being felt across Australia with widespread shortages in stock.

Both public and private operators are being forced to cope with low supplies, which is affecting most types of influenza vaccines.

On Saturday, Australia’s acting chief medical officer Dr Anthony Hobbs announced an extra 800,000 doses would be distributed across the nation in a bid to meet the demand.

“A record number of Australians have already received the influenza vaccine this year and it is good news that people have heard the message to get vaccinated,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor the supply of influenza vaccines and we will secure further doses if required.

“Importantly, I will continue to liaise closely with chief health officers in each state and territory, who are responsible for forecasting and distributing of vaccines locally.”

Late last week, Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy wrote to her federal counterpart Greg Hunt asking him to help improve the supply of vaccines for all age groups, especially the most vulnerable.

This year, Victoria introduced a program of free flu vaccines for children.

“This year has seen unprecedented demand for flu vaccines. Limited stock is still available for vulnerable age groups.” BARWON HEALTH SPOKESWOMAN