GAWLER Council’s community immunisation clinic is not expected to have private flu vaccinations available to the general public until at least late May or early June.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the postponement is due to a nationwide shortage of the Influenza vaccine as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the current funded stock under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), typically for those over 65 or under five years, is still available.

“We are still not sure when vaccines will be available to the wider community,” she said.

“Recent discussions with providers and SA Health have suggested late May early June for vaccines to be available for everyone.”

Council’s next clinic dates are Tuesday, May 12 (9.30am to 11am), and Wednesday, May 20 (5pm to 7pm).

With no bookings required, Ms Redman said people are encouraged to turn up early and secure a spot.

“Council will be implementing social distancing requirements during the clinics and we ask that customers are aware that delays could occur,” she said.

“We ask that all customers that do attend the clinic to be patient.”

If the clinic is very busy, staff will continue to provide vaccinations to those customers that have arrived during the clinic opening hours, beyond the closing time.