Flu jab shortage could leave many exposed
A SHORTAGE in flu vaccination stock this year means a large number of Far North residents may miss out all together.
The Alive Pharmacy Group in Cairns has already administered about 2000 vaccinations, but it still wasn’t keeping up with demand.
“It’s definitely a concern and I think it highlights the need to have more production in Australia in the future,” Alive Pharmacy owner Nick Loukas said.
“Some stores have already run out so we’re at the point where we have to those at-risk groups.
“We are expecting more (of the vaccine) to come in, but we’re certainly not going to have enough to meet the demand in the short term.
“I know one of the big national groups they don’t have stock until May.”
Mr Loukas encouraged people not to avoid the vaccination, but rather check with their pharmacy as some stores might have more stock than others.
“Certainly don’t not try, but just understand most pharmacies have wait lists and they will put you down,” he said.
“We’re trying to make sure prioritise we cover those over 65-year-old at-risk people. We’re seeing a lot of people that would normally go to a doctor come to the pharmacy because they’re trying to avoid the medical centres.
“Even though they have to pay, because we don’t have the health subsidy, they’re still happy to pay that.”
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said receiving a vaccination from this month provided optimal protection in the peak period of influenza circulation.
“This year it is even more important to be vigilant about the flu because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“In total over 13.5 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines have been secured for the National Immunisation Program and the private market in 2020.”
Flu vaccination is funded via the National Immunisation Program and is free for people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, and people aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors.
For the first time, the vaccine is also free for all children aged between six months and five years.