Flu vaccine available in Victoria after Government underestimated demand for free children’s shots

VICTORIANS who haven’t yet had the influenza vaccine this year can now finally get the jabs after a statewide shortage left many parents desperately hunting for flu shots.

VICTORIANS who haven’t yet had the influenza vaccine this year can now finally get the jabs, after a statewide shortage.

An extra 120,000 doses of the adult vaccine and 70,000 doses for children under five have been made available, the chief health officer, Professor Charles Guest, will announce today.

So far this year more than 1.7 million Victorians have ­received influenza vaccines, almost 450,000 more than were administered last year.

GOVT OFFERS FREE FLU SHOTS FOR KIDS UNDER FIVE

PARENTS URGED TO VACCINATE TKIDS AGAINST FLU

Free flu jabs for children under five, offered by the Andrews Government, were almost immediately exhausted.

The government forecast that fewer than 30 per cent of eligible families would seek a vaccination but demand was far higher, leaving many parents in a desperate hunt for flu shots.

The extra vaccine doses for over-18s have been made available owing to an additional production run organised by the Commonwealth government.

Victoria has so far had a less serious flu season than last year’s, but August-September is the peak period for the virus.

Almost 50,000 Victorians battled the flu during last year’s deadly season, which claimed more than 200 lives.

About 250,000 people ­nationwide were struck down by the virus last year, in the worst season in a decade. There were 1100 flu-related deaths across the country, 90 per cent of whom were aged over 65.

Victorians who haven’t yet had the influenza vaccine this year can now finally get the jabs, after a statewide shortage. Generic picture

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said yesterday the state government had been forced to go it alone with free children’s flu shots because of a Commonwealth refusal.

She said it based estimates on the uptake of similar immunisation programs in Western Australia and overseas.

“A higher uptake than anyone predicted shows more people than ever appreciate why it’s so important that kids are vaccinated, and our message is getting through,” Ms Hennessy said.

“We’ve secured additional stock for our free flu shots for kids under five program.

“The national shortage is another reason why the Liberals must commit to a national flu immunisation program for kids under five,” she said.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy says the government’s message on the importance of flu shots is getting through. Picture: Josie Hayden

Prof Guest encouraged those most at risk from the virus, and who have not had their shot this year, to obtain it from their GP or provider.

The National Immunisation Program offers the ­vaccines free to vulnerable people including pregnant women, those aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people with medical conditions that predispose them to severe influenza.

“Flu vaccinations save lives. We know influenza is a highly contagious viral infection, spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. That’s why we’ve obtained more vaccines, to protect more Victorians,” Prof Guest said.

“It’s never too late to get a flu shot. And with influenza ­activity now on the rise, getting a shot now will provide full-season protection right through winter and beyond the expected peak in late September,” Prof Guest said.

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