CSL is on sale...!Flu vaccine production has ramped up but GPs...

CSL is on sale...!

Flu vaccine production has ramped up but GPs still can’t get enough

GPs continue to be frustrated by lack of access to influenza vaccines for their patients despite the Australian Government ordering a record amount in response to COVID-19, the chair of the Immunisation Coalition says.

Dr Rod Pearce.

Almost 14 million flu vaccines were distributed earlier this year, including more than four million doses of Fluad Quad, enough for almost all patients over 65 who are eligible for a funded dose.

In April, the government ordered another two million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine for the private market from Seqirus, which restarted manufacturing to meet the extra order.

These vaccines are slated for distribution in early June.

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But Adelaide GP Dr Rod Pearce, the chair of the Immunisation Coalition, says its recent survey shows that distribution issues, now a feature of most flu seasons, continue to frustrate GPs.

“The majority of GPs say they haven't got supply they asked for,” he says.

“We conducted another survey of patients that found 70% anticipated getting the vaccine. If that’s the case, production will be able to meet the demand.

“The problem is distribution."

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In NSW, any order made after April for non-NIP flu vaccines will not be filled until June, according to the state government’s vaccine distribution information for GPs.

The state has also distributed its entire supply of Fluad Quad and stopped taking orders, as of 21 May.

While NSW Health says it has enough to cover all eligible patients, some practices are out of stock and will have to refer patients elsewhere.

It has published a list of immunisation providers with available stock.

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• Coronavirus concern prompts wider flu vax uptake
• GP practices left waiting for flu shots amid coronavirus crisis

Dr Pearce said the situation illustrated the issue.

“I think of it as lumpy distribution. Somebody has it and somebody else wants it.

“I’ve seen distribution for some vaccines work well with good planning, but when complications come up, the system just doesn’t cope — whether that’s the COVID-19 pandemic or just an early flu season.”

If the system was “built properly”, it would be able to withstand these pressures, he said.

“The vast majority of GPs have told us they think the distribution process is inadequate,” he added.

The pandemic had also highlighted the “blurred” boundaries for high risk patients who would be eligible for free flu vaccination, he said.

“‘Medically at risk’ is such a movable beast, so we’re looking at better targeting of these patients."

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