Flu season usually peaks from June to September in most parts of Australia.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) said doctors faced a logistical challenge in administering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
Younger and healthier people who will not get a COVID-19 vaccination until later in the year are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccine when it becomes available this month.
RACGP President Karen Price said the twin rollouts of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines were an enormous logistical exercise, especially as the two vaccines were not recommended to be given at the same time.
“We are dealing with the twin threats of influenza and COVID-19, for which two national vaccination programs will be rolling out at the same time – it’s a lot for our health system to manage, and it’s a lot for patients,” Dr Price said.
Dr Price said administering vaccines was “business as usual” for GPs and patients shouldn’t think they were helping the system by delaying.
“If you’re young and healthy you might think you should be standing back and waiting for the most vulnerable patients to get their flu shots first,” Dr Price said.
“In fact, we want these patients to do the opposite. Book an appointment with your GP to get your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, and then get your COVID-19 vaccine when you can.”
“Patients who are more vulnerable, including those who are older, should prioritise getting their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is offered to them.”
Many practices will alert patients when flu vaccines are available, and patients should check their usual clinic’s website.
The annual influenza vaccine is recommended for all patients over six months to prevent influenza.
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