THE pharmacy sector had a huge reaction to comments by Influenza Specialist Group spokesman Professor Robert Booy in yesterday's Pharmacy Daily, quoting an MJA Insight article where he incorrectly claimed some chemists were offering "cheap flu shots this year using 2016 vaccine stock".
Shortly after PD was distributed yesterday MJA Insight published a correction, admitting this was incorrect and noting that "all 2016 stock had a use-by-date which prevented it being used this year, and it is likely that most leftover 2016 stock has been destroyed".
Pharmacists from across the country were furious about Booy's claims, with many noting they are offering the Afluria 2017 vaccination to eligible patients.
"We are of course telling those who would be eligible for the government funded vaccines that they can wait for the doctors to receive their stock (remember these vaccines are free to the patient but not the tax payer!) which will be supplied once all the stock for the NIP is available," one pharmacist commented.
Another noted that the comments from Professor Booy were "completely incorrect," while vaccine manufacturer Seqirus confirmed the availability of the approved 2017 Afluria Quad seasonal vaccine (PD 10 Mar).
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 Mar 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 Mar 17
