"UNPRECEDENTED demand" for seasonal influenza vaccines has led to a shortage of supplies, according to Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Hobbs, who has been tasked with ensuring as much vaccine is brought into the country as possible.
In a statement issued on Sun Hobbs noted that despite record numbers of seasonal influenza vaccines having been brought into the country this year, it has not been sufficient to deal with an estimated 25-30% increase in demand, with the Department of Health working closely with states and territories to monitor availability.
Hobbs said it was positive that people had heard the message and were taking action to get vaccinated against influenza.
So far this year the Therapeutic Goods Administration has released 9.6 million doses of influenza vaccines across the National Immunisation Program (NIP), state programs and the private market.
That's already a 10% increase on the 8.3 million total for 2017.
The Department of Health advised that additional doses of trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines would soon be made available through the NIP.
MEANWHILE mainstream media has also picked up on an Australian Doctor article earlier this month titled Two Bs or not two Bs? Why GPs are questioning this year's flu vaccine, highlighting that seniors who receive the higher dose trivalent vaccine on the NIP, may also benefit from the extra Brisbane (B strain) coverage by having the quadrivalent vaccine as well, whether in pharmacy or at the GP clinic.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 May 18
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