‘Not much to deliver’: GPs struggling to get vaccine doses for five to 11-year-olds

Vaccine supply problems are again challenging pharmacies and GPs, with children aged five to 11-years-old now eligible for their first COVID-19 jab.

The federal government says supply isn’t an issue, but some doctors have reported delivery disruptions have forced them to reschedule vaccinations.

State-run vaccination hubs are also offering the jab for children, but attempts to make a booking on the weekend show that many sites only had appointments available from early February.

Melbourne General Practitioner and founder of M3 Health GP Clinics, Dr Todd Cameron, told 3AW Breakfast the earliest he could put an order in was last Friday.

“We’re only able to order 200 doses for a fortnight, so 100 per week for the childhood strength vaccine,” he told Emily Power and Jimmy Bartel.

“We’ve just been swamped with phone calls.

“There is a huge demand and not much to deliver at the moment unfortunately.”

Dr Cameron urged Victorians not to take out their frustrations on reception staff.

“I would really love to … just remind the public to please be kind with them. They’re not the ones ordering these or delivering them but they are the ones copping a lot of heat from patients.”

Press PLAY below to hear more

Victorian head of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Roderick McRae, says he’s been told there’s enough supply.

“I have spoken with government and we’re reassured that the vaccine supply is in the country,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Dr McRae urged parents to be patient, with most practices only receiving 100 or 200 child doses of vaccine at a time.

“I’m aware of many medical practices … and they’ve made decisions not to provide bookings until they have the doses in their fridge,” he said.

“It’s going to be a logistical experience for everybody.”

Press PLAY below to hear the AMA boss’s message to parents