Unprecedented demand creates flu vaccine shortage across Australia

Demand for the influenza vaccine has soared by 25-30 per cent this season over the same period last year, authorities say.

Source: AAP

Unprecedented demand for the influenza vaccine has created a shortage of the potentially lifesaving injection across Australia.

A record 5.1 million doses of the seasonal flu vaccine were brought into the country under the National Immunisation Program.

But an up to 30 per cent surge in demand ahead of the winter season has impacted supplies, federal health authorities said on Monday.