Influenza vaccinations are now available at the surgery. Please call to make your appointment if you are in any of the following groups;
- Aged 65 or over
- Are Pregnant
- Have certain medical conditions
- Are a registered carer
- Are living with someone who is at High risk of Coronavirus (is on the shielded patient list)
Please note that people in the 50-64 year old age group will be vaccinated at a later date, providing there are sufficient vaccines. No appointments for this age group can be offered until we receive further guidelines from the government.
Flu Vaccines Supply Issues – Update October 20
We are sorry to inform you that we do not have any spare influenza vaccines during this time. Due to the change in circumstances of COVID we are having to prioritise eligible patients.
Background
All practices order their flu vaccines by Easter. Vaccine manufacturing occurs from Easter to the end of August and distribution starts in September and runs until November. Once all pre-orders are delivered any spare vaccines are available to order on an ‘available’ basis from manufacturers for delivery in late November.
This year, after the Easter deadline had passed the government amended the target populations to ensure maximum coverage and purchased all excess stock and stock options from UK based suppliers.
Therefore, it is unlikely that the practice will have any (or access to any) spare influenza vaccines beyond its original order based upon government advice at the order closing date at Easter.
Frequently Asked questions
Why were there not plans to secure enough vaccines for everyone who wants one?
1, Vaccines are a biological product with a very limited shelf life and very strict temperature storage requirements.
2, Vaccines cannot be stored for long periods.
3, Last years vaccine will not work this year because strains mutate every year – so we cannot stock pile vaccines.
4, Seasonal flu vaccines are planned purchase and vaccines are tailor made each year. In the past the system could cope with small numbers of patients changing their mind late in the season.
5, Patients in the at risk groups as defined by the Department of Health before Easter were all asked to indicate whether they wished to be included in the flu vaccination campaign this year and our vaccine order was sized accordingly.
Please do not blame the receptionist or clinical staff for your inability to obtain a vaccine. All patients in the declared at risk groups at order of closing date were offered a vaccine and our order was scaled accordingly.
