Concerns two different flu vaccines create two-tier system for 65 and overs - Stuff

Pharmac is being accused of kicking an own goal on flu jabs, after those aged 65 and over were given access to a flu jab that's designed for seniors for free last year, then told they would have to pay up to $60 this year.

The drug-buying agency funds the influenza vaccine Afluria Quad for everyone aged 65 and over, people with certain health conditions, and Māori and Pasifika down to age 55.

But last year, supply delays of Afluria Quad meant Pharmac temporarily funded an alternative called Fluad Quad, for those aged 65 and over. But it hasn't yet agreed to fund it permanently, so those who want it again must pay for it.

Fluad Quad is the only available flu vaccine that works with an immune enhancer or adjuvant – an ingredient that boosts effectiveness of the vaccine in people aged 65 and over

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Wellington man Gerard Campbell said that evidence meant it was "a no brainer" that he would pay to get Fluad Quad, but not everyone would be able to afford the cost. He's one of several in the 65-plus age group who contacted Stuff about the issue.

"It's appalling. I can't believe they won't use that (vaccine) in a situation when they say they are very concerned about the flu."

Campbell said he had been able to access the unfunded vaccine at his local practice in Hataitai, but his wife couldn't access it as her GP clinic hadn't ordered any, which indicated further access issues.

"People over 65 do not know about this vaccine and if they do, it is very difficult to find someone that stocks it," Campbell said.

Stuff

Pharmac says an application to fund the influenza vaccine Fluad Quad is being looked at again, thanks to new evidence from the supplier. In the meantime, those who want it instead of the funded vaccine must pay for it.

Public health experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the incoming flu season with borders opening, which will see many New Zealanders exposed to influenza for the first time in two years.

"I do want to reassure people that the funded flu vaccine, Afluria Quad, is an effective layer of protection against this season's flu," Pharmac's chief medical officer Dr David Hughes said in a statement.

Pharmac was assessing new evidence on an application to fund Fluad Quad for people aged 65 and over, Hughes said.

While there was some evidence Fluad Quad improved the immune response in older people, the data was "a bit subtle", said Dr Nikki Turner, director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre.

Supplied

Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) Dr Nikki Turner says the evidence on Fluad Quad's greater effectiveness is a bit subtle. (File photo)

"There is some evidence it is more effective in elderly... but the data is not that clear."

Some countries considered the data strong enough to fund it for older populations, including the United Kingdom, US, and Australia, Turner said.

Turner said her practice in Wellington's Strathmore Park was vaccinating as many patients as they could with the free influenza vaccine. Her practice hadn't ordered any Fluad Quad but said it would if a handful of patients wanted it.