Manufacturers of influenza (flu) vaccines may soon release more to commercial pharmacies, reports the Western NSW Local Health District.
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The advice follows posting of comments on the Daily Liberal’s Facebook page by people unable to get a flu shot.
A spokeswoman for the health district has told of an “extremely strong” uptake of flu vaccinations across Australia this year.
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“This comes after one of the most severe flu seasons since the 2009 pandemic in 2017, with over 103,000 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and over 650 deaths in NSW,” she said.
Notifications of flu are currently “very low” across the health district.
As of Friday there were 14 diagnosed cases in June and July, compared to 58 for the same period last year.
“This may mean that there is a delayed start to the flu season which provides more opportunities for people to be vaccinated,” the spokeswoman said.
“It is not too late to be vaccinated.”
The health district is reminding the community that pregnant women, children under five years of age, Aboriginal people and medically at-risk people are eligible for free flu shots.
“Vaccines for these groups are supplied through NSW Health to doctors, health centres and pharmacies and there is sufficient supply to meet expected demand,” the spokeswoman said.
“Vaccines for other people are purchased by pharmacies through private suppliers.
“NSW Health understands that manufacturers will shortly make additional stock available to private pharmacies.”
The health district is advising people with “any concerns” to contact their doctor or pharmacy for information.
