NHS ‘reassured’ on flu jab supplies after fears raised

Fears within NHS Grampian of a shortage of the flu vaccine in the north- east have calmed after crunch talks with the Scottish Government.

The health board raised concerns over stock in a report to go before Aberdeen social care bosses next week, due to the “fantastic” uptake of the jabs this year.

More than 62,000 across Grampian have been vaccinated, out of around 225,000 people in line for inoculation this year.

More than half the northeast’s eligible over-65-yearolds have received their vaccine, after initial problems with the delivery of appointment letters.

Ahead of next week’s meeting of the Aberdeen Integration Joint Board, which oversees health and social care in the city, an NHS Grampian source said: “Uptake has been fantastic. However, this may cause some pressure on our vaccine supply chain. There is some risk clinics may be postponed while the supply of vaccine is redistributed.”

Concern about supply of the inoculations arose after more than 400 people were turned away last week, having arrived at an Aberdeenshire school for their injections.

NHS Grampian said there had been “logistical problems” in getting the vaccine to Mel drum Academy.

But last night a spokesman revealed those fears had subsided after the government offered guarantees over supply.

“Because of the success locally, in terms of the high uptake of the vaccines, there were previously some minor concerns about the availability of the vaccine,” he said .“Following discussion with Scottish Government colleagues, we have been reassured there will be an adequate supply.”

This is the first flu season where health boards have been left to oversee the vaccination programme, with GPs sidelined in the north-east. Instead, clinics are being held in community spaces, such as schools and town halls.

NHS Grampian introduced a new helpline on Tuesday capable of dealing with a “much higher number of calls” after the launch of the vaccination programme was branded a “shambles”.

The first cohort of northeast recipients – many of whom are older or more vulnerable to the flu – have branded the change a “disgrace”, as many have received their appointment letters on the day – or even after – they were due to be inoculated. Those affected then complained the flu helpline was permanently engaged – which is still the case weeks on.

The NHS Grampian spokesman added: “Our helpline recently moved to a new system to handle more calls, with additional staff brought in to assist.

“We are still receiving a high volume of calls and are unable to answer as quickly as we would like.”

Aberdeenshire We s t Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett said “more needs to be done” to ensure all eligible for a jab received theirs. “We’re now entering the last week of October and people really need to get this before too late,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said it and National Services Scotland are working “urgently” with NHS Grampian to ensure they are able to access the vaccine supply required. it’s

MSP Alexander Burnett says ‘more needs to be done’ to ensure flu jabs are given out.