Not enough flu vaccinations are being supplied to rural areas like East Gippsland.

Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, is concerned that immunisation providers in East Gippsland are not receiving adequate supply of vaccinations to protect people over 65 years of age, who are considered among the most vulnerable in our community.

“The Federal Government has advised it has delivered the vaccinations to the State, but the State is providing them at a rate of 50 per week to local medical clinics when around 300 per week are required,” said Mr Bull.

“The message from medical professionals is, that now more than ever, the time to protect yourself from the flu.

“Dealing with both influenza and COVID-19 would potentially be life threatening and this is one easy way of eliminating risk.

“Those vulnerable community groups identified as most at risk are eligible to receive a free vaccination under the national program, including those over the age of 65.

“However, it is hard to protect yourself against the flu, if demand for the vaccination is higher than the supply received. 

“My office has received a number of calls from locals who are desperate to protect themselves against influenza but are unable to access the vaccine as the demand exceeds supply.

“We need the vaccine distributed to the immunisation providers in a timely manner.

“Our country medical practices are being drip fed supply and are being forced to create waiting lists and prioritise patients. This is not fair on the clinics or their patients. 

“While I am pleased to hear many locals are heeding medical advice to be vaccinated, we must have an ongoing supply to meet the demand as we face the additional threat of COVID-19 this year,” said Mr Bull.

Caption: Local MP Tim Bull, pictured receiving his annual flu shot, says the State Government needs to boost the supply of the flu vaccine to meet the demand.