Tension on supplying pharmacies with flu vaccine

In the Tarn, as everywhere in Occitania and France, winter respiratory viruses are still very active. The flu is circulating intensely throughout the department and the epidemic has a strong impact on the health system. To protect the most vulnerable, vaccination is still relevant. The vaccination campaign will continue until January 31. But while the virus is particularly active this year, among all the people who received an invitation to be vaccinated against the flu, by October 2024 in Occitania, only 34.4% had carried out this vaccination at the end of November. Which would perhaps explain why in medical practices, the number of consultations for flu or influenza-like illness continues to increase. And in pharmacies, we try to meet demand as best we can. In recent days, patients have noticed that in Albigensian pharmacies, it was becoming more and more difficult to meet their needs.

Bernard Champanet, Albigensian pharmacist and president of the Tarn pharmacists’ union, recognizes this: “There are indeed tensions on the supply. There are still 7 or 8 pharmacies where there are still some. The laboratories manufacture according to the requests we have made We ordered like last year but we see that in the face of this more active virus, it is not enough. But we must place our orders a year in advance and rely on the results of the year. previous. flu is less strong, it remains on our hands. We are not going to order to throw away. The State assured us that it would put some back into circulation but on the laboratory side, the supply is complicated. two labs and the answer is identical, it is not possible to order. I only have about ten doses left.

It takes several months to manufacture these vaccines so, if the epidemic remains as strong as ever, tensions will increase. “The vaccine protects for three months. You should be vaccinated before January.” Vaccination reduces the risk of serious complications or death. Currently, hospitals are experiencing peaks in hospitalizations due to the flu. According to Public Health France, 6% of deaths in Occitanie are linked to the flu.

This is why the regional health agency recommends combining barrier gestures which help limit the risk of transmission. It is recommended to wear a mask systematically if symptoms are present (cough, fever, sore throat). It is also a good reflex in public transport, busy places and places of care, if you are at risk of developing a serious form or in the presence of vulnerable people, whether you have symptoms or No. You must wash your hands frequently and ventilate your home regularly.