Health board offers post-Brexit flu reassurance

The NHS have moved to allay fears over the supply of the flu vaccine in Lanarkshire post-Brexit.

Charity Age Scotland have been encouraging older people to get the vaccine ahead of the Brexit deadline as a no deal exit would“likely threaten the flu vaccine supply”.

Shortages in medication and qualified health and care staff – predicted in a no deal scenario – could have a significant impact on the most vulnerable people in the county.

Brian Sloan, chief executive of the charity, says it is vital there is no disruption to the supply of the vaccine.

He said:“We have serious concerns about the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s older and most vulnerable people.

“It’s really important older people get the life-saving flu vaccine as we head into winter, particularly if they have underlying health conditions which could be exacerbated if they were to contract the flu. “Brexit shouldn’t be a barrier to this.” France-based Sanofi – one of the vaccine’s main suppliers – have reported delays due to a manufacturing problem which could affect 40 per cent of its first-phase deliveries.

There is also the risk that the cost of supply might go up if there are no trade and tariff agreements in place.

Doctors and NHS leaders have previously warned that a no-deal Brexit would disrupt the supply of this year’s vaccine which cannot be stockpiled.

But a spokesman for NHS National Services Scotland moved to allay fears in the short term.

He said:“The vaccines required for the 2019/2020 season have already been purchased and are being held at warehouses within the UK.

“Supplies are regularly being transported to our GPs and hospitals.”

NHS Lanarkshire have also urged eligible residents – including over-65s, children aged two-to-five and people with a health condition such as diabetes, breathing problems or heart and kidney conditions – to get the vaccine.