IMMUNISATION providers across the region are facing flu vaccine shortages as demand skyrockets.
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The state government this week said a record number of people had received flu shots this season, which led to a supply shortage.
The government said current vaccine stocks would be prioritised to vulnerable people including the elderly, children and those with certain kinds of illnesses.
It comes after Australia’s worst flu season on record in 2017.
Stawell Amcal Pharmacy proprietor Brian Hancock said vaccines were mostly out of stock at all times.
“The demand is reasonably high and stocks are very low,” he said.
“We have plenty on back-order, but we're facing a pretty bad shortage.
“We can't get any of the children's vaccines. We’ve been advised that the main brand that would be available has finished for the season.
“We can’t get any vaccines for people under 18. There’s one that can be given to children over 3, and one that can be given from six months to 3 years. But the only vaccine we can access – when we can get any – is the adult vaccine, for people 18 and over.
“It seems to be problem each year – there's a lot of stocks at the start of the season, but supply never meets demand.”
Priceline Ararat manager Nichole Corbett said the business had also been unable to secure the junior vaccine for people aged between 3 and 18.
She said demand for flu shots this year was far higher than in the past.
“We just got our last shipment of the vaccine, but once that's finished that will be it,” she said.
“So far this year we've done a fair few shipments – there is quite a demand for it.
“We've probably done two to three times more flu shots than last year.
“It’s pleasing a lot more people are getting their shot, because it certainly helps stop the spread and stop people getting sick.”
Priceline Ararat pharmacist Maria Talavera said the pharmacy had been able to keep up with demand so far.
She said the horror flu season in 2017 had spurred many people to have the flu vaccination this year.
“People are very aware of what happened last year – it scared them,” she said.
“I think in Ararat – being a small place – people encourage others and it leads to more people getting the vaccine. I certainly speak to people about the benefits of getting it.”