According to Pharmacy Guild of Tasmania president John Dowling more Tasmanians are becoming vaccinated and stocks are getting low.

Australia’s Acting chief medical officer Dr Tony Hobbs said there had been a 25-30 per cent increase in demand which had affected supplies.

“The Department of Health is working closely with states and territories to monitor availability of vaccines,” Dr Hobbs said.

“The Department is also working closely with companies to ensure additional vaccines are brought into Australia.”

Mr Dowling said it was encouraging that Tasmanians were having the potentially life saving vaccine after a record number of flu cases last year..

“On average, around 3,000 Australians die from the flu each year so we are pleased that more Tasmanians are being vaccinated,” he said.

“The government ordered 10 per cent  more vaccines this year and we are having trouble getting some supplies and that’s a problem – we could run out.”

Dr Hobbs said record numbers of seasonal influenza vaccines have been brought into Australia this year.

Already this year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has released 9.6 million doses of influenza vaccines across the NIP, state programs and the private market.

“The Australian Government has made available over 5.1 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2018 through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

“Nationally, this represents almost a 10% increase than any other year for NIP vaccines.”

Mr Dowling said a survey this year by the guild showed one in two Australians did not plan to be vaccinated.

“The flu virus can affect anyone, even the fit and healthy, so your best defence against the flu is vaccination.” he said.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the state’s first flu report showed there have been fewer cases of the flu to April 30 this year than the same time last year.

“There have been 89 laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported to April 30 this year, compared to 139 at the same time last year. The five-year average to April 30 is 73 notifications.

“Fifty-three Tasmanians were confirmed with flu in the South, 19 in the North and 16 in the North-West. One overseas visitor was diagnosed in this period.”