Australia has enough flu vaccines for only half the population, could cause coronavirus ‘double up’

Australia could face ANOTHER virus crisis as it’s revealed there are only enough flu vaccines for half the population – as experts fear a ‘very dangerous double up’

  • Health authorities are worried flu and COVID-19 outbreak could strain hospitals
  • They’re urging people to vaccinate against influenza in April to get ahead of flu
  • But only 13.5m doses of flu vaccine have been secured for the national program
  • A peak medical body says failure to do would put people’s ‘lives at risk’ 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

Australia could be faced with another health crisis on top of COVID-19 as there is only enough flu vaccine to cover half the population this year.

Health authorities are urging people to get their flu shots this month, fearing an influenza outbreak could strain hospitals which are already overrun with coronavirus patients.

But the 13.5million doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine that have been secured for the national program are only enough to cover half of all Australians.

The current health crisis has also raised concerns for the thousands of people who have been laid off from their jobs and usually obtain their flu jabs through workplace programs.

More than 13.5 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine have been secured for the national program  (Pictured: A healthcare worker at a private hospital in Melbourne)

‘As stocks of vaccination might take a few days to arrive in some locations, it is important that people ring the general practice before making an appointment to make sure that supplies of the influenza vaccine have arrived,’ Australian Medical Association president Dr Tony Bartone told the Herald Sun. 

Australia’s flu season is expected to peak between June and September. Vaccinating against the disease in April will provide the greatest protection, doctors have said.

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 5,103

New South Wales: 2,292

Victoria: 1036

Queensland: 835

Western Australia: 392 

South Australia: 367  

Australian Capital Territory: 84

Tasmania: 72

Northern Territory: 19

TOTAL CASES:  5,103

RECOVERED: 508

DEAD: 23

‘Vaccinating against the flu will reduce the risk of a very dangerous double-up of flu and coronavirus – both diseases affecting the respiratory system,’ Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Wednesday.

‘Fewer cases and fewer severe cases of flu will result in less demand on our health care system.’ 

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Dr Harry Nespolon said a failure to get the shot could be the difference between life or death. 

‘If people don’t get vaccinated and an increasing number of flu patients and COVID-19 patients require urgent healthcare, lives will be put at risk,’ Dr Nespolon said. 

‘In a normal flu season, the RACGP advises people to wait until May to receive their flu vaccination, but with the spread of COVID-19, this is not a normal season. The last thing we want to see is patients infected with both influenza and COVID-19,’ Dr Nespolon said.   

Authorities are recommending people visit their GPS to obtain a vaccine, ensuring to call ahead and book an appointment beforehand. 

However older Australians may need to wait a little longer, with a special vaccine which provides enhanced immunogenicity for people over 65 to be available mid-April.

Changes are also being introduced on May 1 which will restrict anyone without an influenza vaccine from visiting an aged care facility.      

The coronavirus is likely to hit older communities, or Australians with pre-existing medical conditions hardest. 

Australia has suffered 22 deaths from COVID-19 so far. The latest victim, was a woman in her 70s who died in hospital in Victoria.

Australians should take extra precautions this flu season to make sure they don't get coronavirus and the flu at the same time. Pictured: Women wearing masks outside Rundle Mall in Adelaide

Australians should take extra precautions this flu season to make sure they don’t get coronavirus and the flu at the same time. Pictured: Women wearing masks outside Rundle Mall in Adelaide

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