PENOLA residents have torn through a year’s supply of flu vaccines in a matter of weeks, with the season still to come, but medical staff say there is no need to panic as the end of May is the best time to get the shot.
Despite a current shortage of flu vaccines, Penola Doctors clinic has reassured community members the government was delivering new shipments each fortnight.
Executive Health Group consultant Sophie Angus said the clinic had to prioritise at-risk individuals for vaccination due to the shortage.
“Private flu shots have been in huge demand across the country, which has meant pressure in obtaining extra stocks and delivering those vaccines in times we would otherwise have expected,” Ms Angus said.
“Many patients are deciding to have the flu shot for the first time, both to assist protect themselves and the most vulnerable in our community from the flu season,” Ms Angus said.
Ms Angus said individuals would be able to receive the shot until later this month or in June and would be protected for the entire flu season.
“The flu shot will assist reduce the burden on hospitals and the health system that this year in particular needs all the resources we have to combat the threat of further coronavirus outbreaks,” she said.
“Vaccinations are being delivered by the government on a fortnightly basis for those patients who are medically at risk of complications from the flu.
“For private patients, they are able to get a script for vaccines from our clinic via a telephone consult and we are able to fax the script to the patient’s chosen pharmacy.”
Penola’s MG Williams Pharmacist Margie Williams said the stronger than usual demand for vaccines stemmed from fear as part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Each year there is a lot of hype about people getting their flu shot,” she said.
“I think this year people are taking more notice of it.
“We got a normal supply of flu shots in March and normally that would last the whole year, but they were gone quite soon because there were so many coming in wanting them.”
Ms Williams said the pharmacy was expecting a second supply delivered in the coming weeks and was liaising with the doctors clinic to provide the vaccination to residents most at-risk.
“We are prioritising those in need such as family members visiting aged care homes, tradespeople for those homes and such,” she said.
“But because we do have such high demand this year, there is now a waiting list.”
Meanwhile, a leaked State Government memo revealed 93pc of the specialised vaccines SA Health purchased 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”.
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.
