Flu vaccine production has ramped up but GPs still can’t get enough
Soaring demand because of coronavirus magnifies distribution problems, GP Dr Rod Pearce says.
GPs continue to be frustrated by lack of access to influenza vaccines for their patients despite the Australian Government ordering a record amount in response to COVID-19, the chair of the Immunisation Coalition says.
Almost 14 million flu vaccines were distributed earlier this year, including more than four million doses of Fluad Quad, enough for almost all patients over 65 who are eligible for a funded dose.
In April, the government ordered another two million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine for the private market from Seqirus, which restarted manufacturing to meet the extra order.
These vaccines are slated for distribution in early June.
