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Flu Vaccine Shortage Needs a Jab

Calls to address flu vaccine shortage in Gippsland.

By Portal Admin - 1st June 2020 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon Government’s to address the flu vaccine shortage in Gippsland.

Mr Northe’s office has been inundated with calls from local residents who have been unable to access a flu vaccination this year, which has been very frustrating for many local residents.

"There has been very strong messaging from Government’s and Health Department’s that people should receive their flu shot this year, and indeed they have also been articulating that there is ample vaccination, but this is not the reality on the ground" Mr Northe said.

"My office has received call after call from frustrated community members who have heeded the message to go and get a flu shot, but invariably they are advised by their GP or pharmacist that there is little or no supply" said Mr Northe.

With Government and Health Departments quite rightly advising that it is more important than ever to get the flu vaccination, it also has to ensure those administering flu shots have adequate access to the vaccine.

"As I understand, and after following up on this matter with various Health authorities, over 13.5 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines have been secured for the National Immunisation program, but it seems that only a portion of that amount has actually been distributed." Mr Northe continued.

Mr Northe wants the Government and Health Departments to provide clearer direction and advice to the community on the availability of the flu vaccination in the Latrobe Valley.

"It’s a pointless exercise to encourage people to go and get a flu shot if they are not available or can’t even make an appointment there has to be clearer advice on waiting times, when the vaccine is available and who can administer this important vaccine, because at the moment there is understandably significant confusion and frustration within our local community." Mr Northe concluded."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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