GPS sound alert over flu jab scheme amid Covid-19 crisis
How Northern Ireland flu cases peak at GPS’ surgeries over the winter months Doctors insist they must receive sufficient supply of winter vaccine to meet demand
DOCTORS face a bigger challenge than ever before in delivering the annual flu vaccination programme this year, a leading GP body has warned.
Dr Laurence Dorman, NI chairman of the Royal College of GPS, told the Belfast Telegraph that it is “essential” practices here have a reliable and sufficient supply of flu jabs.
His call comes as GPS in the Republic have reported low supplies of the flu vaccine amid high levels of demand due to concerns over the impact of Covid-19 during winter.
Doctors here are preparing to vaccinate up to 150,000 more people than normal in the annual flu jab programme.
The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) said yesterday that it does not “envisage any delays” this year, adding flu jab deliveries to GPS started this week.
Patients are likely to be invited to attend drive-through vaccination centres or other facilities away from GP surgeries in a bid to keep them safe from Covid-19.
The Department of Health has said the flu jab programme is to be extended to help prepare the already fragile health service for what increasingly appears to be a second wave of coronavirus.
Dr Dorman said it was important this year’s flu scheme is not beset by any additional problems. In recent years supply has been an issue, with “manufacturing constraints” in 2018 blamed for a delay in programme delivery.
“Year on year we witness logistical challenges with flu vaccine delivery, so it is crucial that this year’s process is as smooth as possible and no further challenges are presented,” he explained.
“With Covid-19 increasing in circulation, it is vital that all those eligible come forward to get their vaccination.
“With a high uptake expected, it is essential that GPS have a reliable, sufficient supply of vaccine and as much advanced warning as possible for when this will be available so we can adequately prepare.
“GPS face a bigger challenge this year than ever before when it comes to delivering flu vaccinations.
Practices are putting new measures in place to ensure compliance with social distancing and infection control protocols, and this year more people than ever will be eligible, increasing demand on our service.”
Meanwhile, Boots yesterday reported that it has suspended offering private flu jabs here, while in England those under 65 cannot have appointments with the chain following record levels of demand.
Gordons Chemists has also said it is experiencing a higher than normal level of demand compared to previous years.
The company told the Belfast Telegraph that it is still in the process of making flu jabs available in all of its branches, but there will be “stock deliveries through until November”.
The Public Health Agency said the flu vaccine campaign has been expanded beyond its normal scope to include the household contacts of those shielding who have been asked to contact their GP.
The HSCB said: “Deliveries of vaccine to GP practices started this week, and all practices who placed initial orders for vaccines are expected to receive them in the coming days.
“Vaccines are ordered and delivered in batches as needed by practices and this is entirely appropriate.
“We do not envisage any delays this year.”
‘GPS face a bigger challenge this year than ever before’