THE Advantage Pharmacy banner group says overwhelming winter demand for flu vaccines across its store network has proven that pharmacists are "an integral part of the provision of professional and convenient primary health care".
Data from a sample of 29 Advantage Pharmacies indicates a 161% increase in demand for the flu vaccine compared to last year, with May the most popular month to be immunised.
However Advantage Pharmacy director Michael Gray said supply issues had meant many pharmacies had been unable to offer flu vaccinations for over a month.
"With the ease of accessibility for the public, pharmacies have struggled to meet customer demand, with suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers scrabbling to produce the vaccines in time for suitable delivery.
"However there is no doubt that this has shown the importance of accessibility of vaccination services through pharmacies," he said.
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