SENIOR citizens requiring flu vaccinations will need to travel to Naracoorte or Mount Gambier as a result of unprecedented demand and a shortage of shots across South Australia.
On Monday, the Medical Clinic Millicent advised the specialised formulated flu vaccine for over 65 year olds was no longer available due to South Australia already using its quota just weeks into the start of the flu season.
A leaked State Government memo revealed 93pc of the vaccines SA Health purchased bought for the over 65 cohort had already been distributed.
The memo said some patients “may have to source funded stock from alternative immunisation providers if they are unable to access from their usual provider”.
Millicent resident Beccy Field, who is immunocompromised, said the Millicent clinic suggested she travel to Adelaide for a flu shot after she was told no vaccinations were available.
“I am eligible for a free shot, but I cannot get one, even though I rung the clinic every day to see if I can get an appointment,” she said.
“There are no over 65 vaccines and all other vaccine spots are booked out.”
Ms Field said not only was she concerned about her health, not being vaccinated prevented her from visiting her mother, who lives in an aged care facility.
“I cannot visit my Mum without a flu shot,” she said.
“I have not seen her since March, I am so devastated.”
However, Ms Field said she had been successful in securing a flu shot in Naracoorte with the help of Member for MacKillop Nick McBride.
“Nick’s office put me in touch with a doctor in Naracoorte who is doing flu shots,” she said.
“I am a winner, but I am having to drive an hour each way to get a shot even though I am supposed to be self-isolating because I am at risk.”
Naracoorte Dr Alison Gazard confirmed a number of Millicent residents had booked in for flu shots and would be undertaking the 100km round trip to the clinic in coming days.
“I have a supply for the over 65s and I am certainly happy to see Millicent people to come and see me,” she said.
“People who require the shots can contact me on 0428 854 208.”
In a statement, SA Health said it had distributed enough vaccine to immunise every South Australian aged 65 years and over and was working with GPs to manage individual stock levels.
SA Health floated a potential redistribution of stock if it could be safely done.
“Where this is not possible, an alternative flu vaccine will be provided,” the statement said.
According to SA Health, the Federal Government has also secured three million additional doses of flu vaccines for the states, some of which will be available in South Australia in the coming weeks.
Mr MrBride acknowledged people’s distress, but urged community members to be patient.
“I understand the Millicent clinic is seeking additional supplies,” he said.
“I am aware that SA Health is being proactive in seeking to source additional supplies of the 65 plus vaccine and is also working with clinic to redistribute vaccines to those that do not currently have supplies.
“I know that this disruption in supply is causing concern, but I ask for people to be patient and understand that our health care services are operating in unprecedented times.”However, Labor parliamentarian Clare Scriven was concerned about the uneven distribution of the vaccines would result in some people missing out.
“It is not appropriate that regional residents cannot book in for the vaccine that has been specifically formulated for over-65s,” she said.
“In this time of trying to reduce unnecessary travel, people should not be having to go any further than their local clinic for their flu shot and it is essential the State Government provides enough of the vaccine to meet the needs of country residents, as well as those in Adelaide.”
The Medical Clinic Millicent was contacted for comment.
