HUNTER GPs and pharmacists have warned that thousands of low-income earners have been placed at risk by the removal of the seasonal influenza vaccine from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
A dose of the vaccine, which previously cost $5.40 for health care card holders under the age of 65, has now risen to between $20 and $21.
Cessnock GP Kelvin Mychael said he was particularly concerned for carers, physically and intellectually disabled younger people living in group homes and younger people attending educational institutions and living in boarding facilities.
"Many of these people are on limited incomes and health care cards and they may well decide to do without this important vaccination," Dr Mychael said.
Warners Bay pharmacist Geoff Timbs said he usually stocked about 300 vials of the vaccine but this year only had 10.
"We don't know why the Government has decided not to keep subsidising it," he said.
A spokesman for the Federal Department of Health and Ageing said the Government had moved to almost double the number of people eligible for free seasonal flu protection.
"The Government announced it will spend $44 million during four years to ensure an additional 2.2 million Australians get access to free seasonal influenza vaccine," he said.
"It is also important to note that it is predicted that H1N1 swine flu is expected to be the dominant circulating strain of influenza in Australia this winter.
"All Australians can receive a free swine flu vaccine from their doctor to provide protection against that virus."
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