GPs must fund flu jab needles

The country’s influenza vaccine roll-out will begin for over 65s only from today, as manufacturing issues have resulted in a month-long delay to the wider schedule.

The Ministry of Health earlier advised Kiwis under 65 will need to wait one month later than usual to receive a flu jab, due to international availability of the vaccine.

GPs say there is ‘‘disappointment’’ they can’t target other groups vulnerable to flu at this stage – including pregnant people and those with underlying health conditions.

Meanwhile, this year’s flu vaccine isn’t coming with a needle as it typically does – leaving general practices to foot the bill in the face of potential supply issues.

College of GPs medical director Dr Bryan Betty told

Stuff vaccines ordered for New Zealand this year – Afluria quad and Fluad quad – will be supplied without needles.

Needles would need to be bought separately, with the cost being borne by general practices, he said.

The Ministry of Health has been approached for comment.

Despite issues with manufacturing of the vaccine itself, Betty said he was ‘‘reassured’’ by the ministry yesterday that there was no shortage of needles throughout the country. He wasn’t aware of the cost per needle, but believed it likely wouldn’t be cost prohibitive: ‘‘Most practices will just take it in their stride’’.

However, general practices ‘‘would like to think that extra costs in delivering a national flu vaccine campaign would be funded by the Government’’, he said.

The flu vaccine is free for eligible groups – including those over 65; people with heart disease or heart failure, asthma or other chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, HIV, and transplant recipients.