Deadline Approaching for Influenza Vaccination Orders

GPs and other health professionals need to place their orders for influenza vaccinations before the due date later this month.


GPs, pharmacists and relevant clinics are urged to complete their orders of influenza vaccines, as the November 19 deadline approaches. According to a statement from the Immunisation Coalition, there is a risk that, when the influenza season begins, there will be a shortage of vaccines.

Once borders open and lockdown measures cease, experts expect that there will be a rebound of influenza cases. If this happens, there will likely be a surge in the demand of influenza vaccines.

According to Prof Robert Booy, Chair of the Immunisation Coalition’s Scientific Advisory Committee, 2021 has not been a typical year, and we need to be ready for the future. “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,” Prof Booy said.

Dr Rod Pearce, Chairman of the Immunisation Coalition, warns about reduced vaccine orders for 2022. “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,” he said.

GPs also need to be aware that once the influenza season begins, it will be hard to catch up on your vaccine stock. “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,” Dr Pearce said.

According to Trent Twomey National president of the Pharmacy Guild, pharmacies may also play an important role in our efforts to fight influenza. “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,” he said.

For the Immunisation Coalition and industry stakeholders, the key is to remind Australians of the risk of contracting influenza and to encourage them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “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,” Dr Pearce said.

For assistance in placing influenza vaccine orders, GPs are advised to contact their wholesaler or supplier.