Adelaide pharmacies under pressure after free flu shot announcement

Pharmacies fear they will be swamped by demand for free flu vaccines, saying they weren’t given reasonable notice after the government’s snap announcement.

Pharmacies expect to be overwhelmed by demand for free flu shots after a snap decision by the state government.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Saturday that vaccines would be available at no charge until June 30.

South Australian Pharmacy Guild president Nick Panayiaris said it had been indicated that the scheme would start on June 1.

“That would have given us a bit more time to prepare,” he said.

“We were not given reasonable notice that this was coming, but announcing it on a Saturday has made it difficult to communicate it to the network.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia SA branch president Nick Panayiaris. Picture: Supplied

A doctor is giving a flu vaccine. Picture: File

“There is actually a little bit of a stock issue within the network, which is going to make it challenging.

“I’ve had a number of queries from pharmacists who are confused because the program hasn’t been properly outlined by SA Health.”

Mr Malinauskas said he hadn’t received “any advice” to suggest that demand would outweigh supply.

“We know that GP clinics, pharmacists and the like will be gearing up rapidly to acquire the flu vaccine in great volume,” he said.

Mr Panayiaris urged people to be patient and book ahead.

“We do support the government’s initiative to fund the free access to flu vaccines and will work with SA Health to make sure the community gets timely access,” he said.

After the announcement, the state’s leading medicos welcomed the move but urged people to be patient as doctors and pharmacists stocked up on vaccines.

Doctors fear SA faces a “perfect storm” of Covid-19 and influenza this winter as flu numbers soar for the first time in three years on the back of an easing of social distancing restrictions.

Flu rates of children, teenagers and young adults are of special concern. Experts are worried the lack of exposure to flu for two years will leave the community unusually vulnerable.