Demand triggers flu shot shortage

TASMANIANS are being encouraged to check that flu vaccines are still available before attending appointments as unprecedented demand puts pressure on general practice supplies.

Opposition health spokesperson Sarah Lovell yesterday described the vaccine shortage as “deeply concerning” and said the State Government should be doing more to keep Tasmanians informed about the shortages.

“There was advice early on for people to have their flu vaccination a little later in the piece because the peak flu season is generally in August and the vaccinations typically only last three months,” Ms Lovell said.

“That means there would be a lot of people who waited until now to have their flu vaccinations. While it’s the Federal Government’s responsibility to provide flu vaccinations [via the National Immunisation Program] … the state health minister needs to tell Tasmanians what’s going on and whether there is a shortage we need to be concerned about.”

A spokeswoman for the Federal Department of Health said it was possible some providers may be experiencing shortages earlier than others.

“Patients are encouraged to check their provider has a vaccine ahead of attending appointments, and/or call around to find a provider who has vaccines available,” the spokeswoman said.

More than 10 million doses have already been released this flu season under the NIP, state programs and the private market and the Australian Government has secured an additional 950,000 vaccines.

The additional doses represent an increase of about round 32 per cent from last year, when 8.3 million doses were released for the Australian market.

The Australian Medical Association’s Tasmanian chief John Davis said the shortage was in some ways “a good thing” because it meant Tasmanians had embraced the flu vaccine this year.

“It’s unfortunate that we are running out but hopefully the Government will be able to speed up the delivery of the next batch.”