A northern hospital says it has flu vaccines left because it ordered additional supplies months ago

THERE may be a nationwide flu vaccine shortage, but an Epping hospital won’t need to turn anyone away.

THERE may be a nationwide flu vaccine shortage, but an Epping hospital won’t need to turn anyone away.

Northern Hospital spokesman Michael Wright said despite the national shortage, they would continue to offer free flu shots to anyone who wanted them.

“We do currently have adequate stocks of FluVax as we ordered additional supplies several months ago,” Mr Wright said.

Victoria’s supply of flu shots was almost exhausted by the end of May, after a huge 1.6 million doses were administered across the state.

The shortage comes on the back of a record number of people getting vaccinations across Australia in response to last year’s dire flu season, which contributed to 1100 deaths.

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Northern Hospital particularly encouraged vulnerable groups including children aged six months to five-years-old, people over five-years-old with medical conditions which increased the risk of influenza disease complications, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged 15 and over and people over 65 to get immunised, Mr Wright said.

The Federal Government had ordered an additional 800,000 flu vaccines, which were expected to be available later this month.

Health officials advised the additional vaccines would reach the public in time for them to be prepared for the arrival of the peak flu season in August and September.

Speaking at the National Immunisation Conference in Adelaide yesterday chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy said despite the “unprecedented” demand for vaccines this year, the government would still deliver 32% more flu vaccines this July compared to July 2017.

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