Final batch of 90,000 flu jabs here by next month, say officials

NEARLY 140,000 doses of a new flu jab for over-65s have been allocated to Northern Ireland since the start of this year’s delayed vaccination programme, health officials have revealed.

And the final batch of over 90,000 Fluad doses is set to arrive here by early next month.

Last week Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride revealed in the Belfast Telegraph that the new flu jab programme would not be completed until the end of November due to “manufacturing constraints” in its production.

Details of the doses being delivered were outlined in a joint statement issued by Northern Ireland major health bodies including the Department of Health and Public Health Agency, Health (PHA) as well as organisations representing medical professionals.

Previously two GP practices in Co Antrim had informed patients they were experiencing a shortage in supplies of the jab for over-65s.

Ballymoney Family Practice had to postpone appointments until late next month, while Randalstown Medical Practice was forced to operate a flu clinic on a first-come, first-served basis for over-65s up to the age of 74 earlier this month.

Because of “manufacturing constraints beyond our control”, the health officials said the rollout of the jab has been implemented in a phased approach .

Three batches are being delivered to GPs and health centres running up to November.

GPs have been allocated a proportion of each batch of the vaccine based on their practice size, the statement explained, with patients aged 75 and over given priority.

“While we fully understand the concerns of those patients aged 65 to 74 years of age, who may have to wait slightly longer than they normally would to be vaccinated, this scheduling should ensure they are given the most effective flu vaccine for their age group,” the health officials stressed.

“It is important to emphasise that those eligible to receive the flu vaccine will still be vaccinated in advance of when the flu season normally starts to reach a peak, which traditionally is around late December/early January to mid-to-late February.”

They added: “Supplies of the other flu vaccines, which are used for children and those aged under 65 years of age in an ‘at risk’ group, are not affected and therefore these programmes are proceeding as normal.

“We would encourage them to attend for their vaccination according to the arrangements at their respective GP surgery.”

Each year here more than 500,000 people are vaccinated against influenza, with the “vast majority” of vaccinations occurring between “October to mid-December”, the statement revealed.

“Based on initial feedback it appears that there is a high demand for the (new vaccine),” the statement continued. “We would continue to urge those aged 65 years or over to make sure they get protected against the influenza this winter by ensuring they are vaccinated, when invited to do so by their GP.”

In Scotland, the shortage of Fluad means the vaccine will only be available to over-75s.

Fluad has an added ingredient designed to create a stronger immune response in older people.