The Immunisation Coalition is urging healthcare providers, including GPs, pharmacists, and relevant clinics, to carefully consider and place their orders for influenza vaccination before 19 November 2021.
It’s predicted that as lockdowns ease and borders re-open, a rebound season of influenza is highly probable.
However, orders from vaccine providers are reportedly low, and experts are warning that Australia will experience issues with supply not meeting demand when it comes to influenza vaccination in 2022.
Early indications from Southeast Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom signal a resurgence of influenza in Australia, and around the globe, regardless of low case numbers this year.
“We need to be clear, 2021 has not been reflective of a typical influenza season.
All the measures associated with slowing the transmission of Covid-19, resulted in an
abnormal influenza season,” says Professor Robert Booy, Chair of the Immunisation Coalition’s Scientific Advisory Committee.
Chairman of the Immunisation Coalition, Dr Rod Pearce adds: “What is important now, is that we avoid a vaccine shortage next year because providers have reduced their vaccine orders for 2022, based on reduced cases and vaccine uptake this year.”
Experts also warn that it is hard to rectify a low or out of stock situation once the season commences, inadvertently putting pressure on the healthcare system whilst additional
stock is secured.
“We know that pre-orders for 2022 are significantly lower than this time last year. We cannot simply turn the manufacturing process on and off for influenza vaccination.
It is important our providers are prepared, by ensuring sufficient supply levels are reached ahead of the season,” says Dr Pearce.
National President of the Pharmacy Guild Trent Twomey says: “Community pharmacies are particularly well placed to offer the flu vaccination to patients and this service has proven to be hugely successful and popular with communities across the country and we are encouraging Guild members to pre-order, so they are prepared for the 2022 season.”
While focus continues to surround the risk of Covid-19, the Immunisation Coalition wants to remind providers and consumers that influenza can be severe, resulting in hospitalisation and even death, especially for at-risk populations.
“Co-administration of influenza vaccine and Covid-19 boosters is now recommended by ATAGI,” says Dr Rod Pearce.
“This will create greater demand for influenza vaccines, and we need to be prepared for it.
“Securing steady supply of influenza vaccination is our greatest weapon against this virus returning in 2022.”
The Immunisation Coalition and industry stakeholders are committed to reminding Australians of the risk of contracting influenza and to encourage vaccination of consumers in a timely and appropriate manner.
“The time for vaccination is before the outbreak commences, and we intend to coordinate a media awareness campaign for consumers, once we’re confident that supply levels have been reached for the season ahead,” says Dr Pearce.
For assistance in placing orders, please contact your wholesaler or supplier to secure your preseason influenza vaccine for your business.
