The state government must act without delay to resolve freight issues stopping sufficient supplies of flu vaccinations from getting into Tasmania.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said without adequate supplies, an outbreak of seasonal flu could exacerbate the COVID-19 crisis.
“As we head into traditional flu season in the midst of this public health emergency, it’s never been more important to protect as many people as possible from flu,” Ms Lovell said.
“Yet, despite the federal government securing an additional 3.5 million flu shots nationally to cover the increased demand, we’re hearing that there are problems getting the vaccines from their warehousing site in Melbourne into Tasmania.
“With no clear answers from the government on what may be causing the holdup, we are left with an ongoing lack of vaccinations and no end in sight to the shortage.
“Whatever issues are causing the delay, they must be resolved as quickly as possible.
“Without sufficient numbers of flu vaccinations, doctors will have to prioritise those most at risk, including the elderly, vulnerable Tasmanians and healthcare workers.
“This will leave a large proportion of Tasmania’s population unprotected from flu at the same time the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is urging all Australians to be vaccinated.
“Not only would that give rise to very concerning individual and community health outcomes, it would put unsustainable pressure on our hospitals.
“We can’t assume that social distancing will be enough to protect us, so we must resolve this situation as a matter of urgency.
“I urge the government to find a quick solution to this problem and ensure the state receives adequate quantities of the vaccine to provide broad coverage so we can avoid a situation where people are at risk of contracting both seasonal flu and COVID-19.”
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Minister for Health
