Article Written by Home Doctor Gold Coast Team
Where you can still get the flu shot
‘It’s the news we hoped we wouldn’t hear, but Queenslanders are now included in the growing list of States with a shortage of flu vaccinations.
Almost 2.7 million more vaccines have been issued this year than in 2017, and as a result, pharmacies are facing shortages as people take the effort to get the flu shot early.
To date, 4,500 Queenslanders have been diagnosed with the flu this year and as numbers are growing by an average of 100 cases each week, people who haven’t had a vaccine yet are still being urged to do so.
Here’s how you can still get a flu vaccine before the peak flu period.
How big is the demand?
There are still available vaccines to supply the National Immunisation Program, and according to Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, the unprecedented demand isn’t slowing down any time soon.
“We have already issued 47 per cent more influenza vaccines than at the same time last year,” Dr Young said.
For those not in the high-risk groups (including young children and people over 65), there’s now the struggle to track down available flu vaccines.
Some parents across Brisbane have voiced their frustration after visiting multiple pharmacies before finding vaccines for their children due to supplies being at an all-time low.
An example is Chemist Warehouse stores in South Brisbane where staff have mentioned they’ve never had the issue of ordering more vaccines from their supplier…until now.
Many pharmacies across not only Queensland, but Australia are now unable to restock or have a four-to-six week wait before they can access additional supplies.
Where you can still get flu vaccines
There are several clinics, pharmacies and chemists who still stock the flu vaccine, including:
- Terry White Chemmart
- SmartClinics
- Chemist Warehouse
With this being said, it’s important to enquire online or call your local pharmacy to confirm they have vaccines in stock.
Even if they don’t have any currently available, it’s still urged to pre-order as there may only be an expected few weeks wait.
