Health authorities are urging people to get their flu vaccines as soon as possible amid concerns that influenza and COVID-19 could lead to the "perfect storm" for an already strained health system.
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Flu vaccinations are usually recommended from May.
However, experts say people who get a flu vaccine now will be better protected from the prospect of having both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
As of Saturday the Launceston Medical Centre began offering a drive-in flu clinic, in an effort to encourage influenza vaccine uptake alongside social distancing measures.
Those who book the service are then sent further instructions, with the vaccination administered without the need for patients to leave their car.
Centre director Dr Jerome Muir Wilson said the early than usual response to this year's flu season was encouraging, but warned there was no room for complacency.
"People who get COVID and influenza, it can be quite a deadly combination," he said.
"There is going to already be a big enough strain from COVID that we want to reduce any influenza.
"The message for COVID and flu is very similar - that you only catch it via close contact. But the difference with COVID is you can't have an immunisation to prevent it.
"Because of social distancing we are hoping to see less flu this year. But we are really encouraging people to get vaccinations, so that we can get as little as possible."
There have been 149 confirmed cases of influenza in Tasmania so far this year.
As of midday Wednesday, there was 69 confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases in the state - including two deaths.
Private prescription flu vaccinations are now available at pharmacists and general practitioners for a fee - usually around $15.
Only older people aged over 65 are recommended to wait for a special flu vaccine with enhanced immunogenicity.
It is understood the supply of vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program will start being distributed to GPs from this week.
However, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmania branch president John Dowling said pharmacists should also be given access to vaccinations under the NIP.
"A lot of people would find it easier to go their pharmacy and have a vaccine from there at the moment, than a lot of doctors who are working from home or doing telehealth," he said.
"So getting a flu vaccine might prove problematic for people at risk. If we want as many people vaccinated as possible, which obviously with this COVID situation we do, it makes good sense to further utilise pharmacists.
"Because if someone came down with the flu and then picked the COVID-19 at the same time, it would be utterly disastrous."
On Wednesday Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the state was working with the federal government around the best practice for immunisations.
"Many of the community measures that we undertake within the winter flu plan have already been implemented as part of our escalation of the COVID response," she said.
"That's our priority - ensuring that we can get immunisations out in our community.
"We are working with both the primary care sector, as well as our pharmacists, about how we can do that in the most appropriate way, to get the coverage that we need."
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association are among the peak health bodies urging patients to get a vaccine from a GP as soon as possible.
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