Wirral GPs overcome flu vaccine delays (From Wirral Globe)
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Wirral GPs overcome flu vaccine delays
2:25pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News
CONCERNS over a shortage of flu vaccines in Wirral have been calmed by NHS bosses.
GP surgeries across the country have been forced to postpone flu jabs for patients after a supplier halted production due to “an unexpected test result.”
The global pharmaceutical company, Crucell, which is based in the Netherlands, makes up around 10% of the UK market for flu vaccine.
It was feared that high-risk patients such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, could have faced a month-long wait for their jabs.
But despite six GP practices in Wirral being affected by the delays, a new manufacturer has been brought in.
Fiona Johnstone, Wirral’s Director of Public Health, said: “Six practices in the Wirral area were affected by the delays with vaccine testing experienced by the pharmaceutical company.
“However, working with NHS Wirral, all six practices have now sourced flu vaccine from an alternative manufacturer and are able to continue with the seasonal flu vaccination programme as planned.
"This means local people will be able to receive their vaccinations and stay flu safe for the winter.”
A Crucell representative said: "Patient safety is our first concern. We have voluntarily halted all deliveries because of an unexpected test result on one of our batches.
"We want to investigate the cause before we release the vaccine."
