Pharmacists and GPs left scrambling after state government announce free flu shots
An infectious disease expert has questioned if mask mandates should return as FNQ pharmacists and GPs are left scrambling after free flu shot announcement.
Cairns
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PHARMACISTS and GPs across the Far North have revealed they were left scrambling for information after the state government announced free flu shots on Monday with no prior warning.
WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods Pease St pharmacist Simone Langerhuizen described the situation as “stressful” when they started to receive calls with no information.
“The first we heard of this was yesterday when everyone else did,” Ms Langerhuizen said.
“It’s just a little bit of an initial scrambling, finding out how it’s going to be paid for. Also accessing stock is a big thing.”
Ms Langerhuizen said there were concerns there wouldn’t be enough stock since they order influenza shots eight to nine months in advance.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey said with a 130 per cent increase in one week of flu cases it came at a great time.
“We found out not long before everybody else found out,” he said.
“We are racing to ensure that we not only have enough of the vaccine but enough appointments.”
To keep up with demand Mr Twomey said they were taking stock from other states into Queensland so supply should not be an issue unless other states follow.
Yorkeys Medical owner Dr Lee Jones said doctors weren’t advised before but he supported the initiative.
“We endeavour in the future to have close communication with the state government and we hope they are the same,” he said.
With high number of influenza cases and kids back at school JCU immunology and infectious disease expert Dr Hillary Vanderven said people should mask up.
“If parents or schools are concerned about influenza transmission, they can encourage children, staff, whoever to wear masks.
“Whether the mandate will actually be reintroduced? That’s a little bit more of a complex question,” Dr Vanderven said.
Catholic Education Services executive director Bill Dixon said measures were in place at schools.
“We are taking the flu outbreak seriously. All schools have been advised to resume the same daily cleaning practices that were in place during the 2020/21 Covid outbreak,” Mr Dixon said.
Queensland Health were contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Pharmacists and GPs left scrambling after state government announce free flu shots
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