Brisbane GP clinics are reporting vaccine shortages after deliveries were disrupted following an incident at a healthcare distribution centre in Richlands.
Clinics Report Appointment Delays
Some Brisbane parents have been turned away from GP clinics due to shortages of several childhood vaccines. Clinics have reported delays in receiving orders supplied through the National Immunisation Program.
A Brisbane GP, Dr Maria Boulton, said her clinic was still waiting on several vaccine deliveries at the time of reporting.
Impact On Childhood Immunisation Schedules
Dr Boulton said shortages were affecting vaccines scheduled for 18-month-old and four-year-old children. She also said there were concerns about potential future shortages for vaccines scheduled at two, four, six and eight months, depending on delivery timing.
She said her clinic still had sufficient vaccine supplies for infants aged six to eight weeks, which is considered a critical immunisation stage.
Richlands Incident Behind Delivery Disruption
The supply disruption followed the collapse of a retaining wall at a healthcare distribution centre in Richlands earlier this month. The incident resulted in the temporary closure of the facility, affecting outbound vaccine deliveries to clinics.
The Richlands site is operated by Toll Group, which manages healthcare logistics and vaccine distribution.
Interim Arrangements For Vaccine Supply
Queensland Health said it worked with Toll following the incident to ensure vaccine deliveries could continue. It said interim arrangements were established to avoid disruption and that sufficient vaccine stock exists and is available through those arrangements.
Clinics continue to monitor vaccine availability while awaiting outstanding deliveries.
Other Vaccines Also Affected
Dr Boulton said some adult vaccines were also in limited supply, including influenza vaccines for people aged over 65. She also reported shortages of meningococcal B and rabies vaccines.
She said elderly patients and those with chronic illness should exercise caution if unable to access influenza vaccination during the current period.
Facility Background
The Richlands distribution centre opened in April 2023 as a purpose-built healthcare warehouse with specialised cold-storage capabilities, including infrastructure designed for vaccine storage and distribution.
Published 23-Jan-2026
