Unprecedented demand causes flu vaccine shortage across Australia
The most vulnerable will be the first priority for flu vaccinations until the government can get a "solid supply" into Australia, after a record number of people got the jab causing a shortage.
Victoria's Health Minister Jill Hennessy yesterday said the flu shot would be rationed to children, the elderly and the sick until there was a stable supply.
"Until we can get the assurance from the commonwealth government there's flu vaccine available for all ... we're rationing our flu vaccines for the most vulnerable groups. They are largely people with certain kinds of illnesses, for the elderly and for young children," Ms Hennessy said.
"But we want the flu vaccine to be available for all and that's why we have called upon the federal government to get more assertive and organised about ensuring a solid supply."
She wrote to the federal government last week and has been told additional doses are due to arrive in a couple of weeks.
The Department of Health's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Anthony (Tony) Hobbs said authorities were pleased so many people have oped for the jab.
Dr Hobbs said each state and territory's chief medical officers had noted an increase in vaccinations of between 20 and 30 per cent.
"We are working very closely with all chief health officers to make sure we're managing supply so people who have access need it," he said.
Dr Hobbs said the government had already released an extra 93,000 doses for the over 65s.
"We expect another 144,000 doses in next one or two weeks," Dr Hobbs said.
"We expect another 144,000 doses in the next one or two weeks. We continue to work with manufacturers to bring other vaccine into the market. It is still very early in the season. We have had no indication to date that this flu season so far is any different or any worse than any other season."
There is a 30 per cent increase in the number of people wanting a jab compared to 2017.
As of Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has released 9.6 million doses of influenza vaccines under the immunisation program, state programs and the private market.