THE Murrumbidgee Local Health District has reassured the public that the nationwide shortage of the flu vaccine should not have a drastic effect on the district.
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Director of public health Tracey Oakman said the district was affected in the same way as the rest of NSW, but said more vaccine was expected to arrive in the coming weeks, long before the peak of flu season in July and August.
“There is a shortage at state level, but there is vaccine available – many GPs and pharmacies still have it in stock,” she said.
“NSW Health is aiming to make sure supply is still available for the most at risk groups.
“The federal government is trying to source more as well, we expect more vaccine to arrive in the next couple of weeks.”
A 20 to 30 per cent increase in the amount of people using the vaccine has been blamed for the shortfall.
While it wasn’t ideal for stocks to be short, Mrs Oakman said it was good that more people were electing to receive the vaccine.
“We had a really bad flu season last year, so it doesn’t surprise me that there has been an increase,” she said.
“We’ve been advocating heavily for it in light of the season last year.
“There has been a significant media campaign, it has been very effective and that is a good thing.”
Mrs Oakman also advised those who have not yet been vaccinated to contact their local pharmacies and GPs to ask if they had the vaccine for their age range before booking in to receive it.
“It’s not too late to be vaccinated, we don’t see an increase in the flu until around July or August usually,” she said.
“I’d advise that when calling your pharmacy or GP, see if they have they vaccine for your age group.
“The next step for us will also be spreading the message that, if you do have the flu, not to spread it.
“Stay home, don’t go to work, cough or sneeze into your arms rather than your hands, wash your hands regularly.
“The other element of flu season is infection control.”
Meanwhile, major pharmacy chain Terry White Chemmart said it was continuing to administer vaccines.
“We have ensured we have plenty of supplies of this year’s quadrivalent vaccine as well as booking slots for what we anticipate will be an extremely high level of demand over the next month,” CEO Anthony White said.
