Manufacturing problems cause supply delays for influenza vaccines
Widespread delays in the influenza vaccine supply chain appear to be inevitable after the development of two problems in the manufacturing process. However, the delays are not expected to be long enough to prevent immunisations being provided within the recommended timeframe.
The issue is of particular relevance to community pharmacists in Scotland,
the majority of whom obtain flu vaccines for GPs.
Last week, the Scottish Executive Health Department published details
of its influenza immunisation programme that largely mirrors the new
arrangements for England and Wales (PJ, 30 July, p132). Patients with
chronic liver disease have been added to the groups previously recommended
to receive immunisation. Main carers of elderly or disabled people will
also be offered vaccination. Within the document, the SEHD acknowledges
that delivery of some flu vaccines could be delayed by up to four weeks.
In a separate letter, it explains that the situation has arisen due to
two factors. First, the World Health Organization provided manufacturers
with one of the vaccine seed strains used for vaccine production three
to four weeks later than planned. Secondly, reagents used within the
vaccine manufacturing process were delivered late.
“As a result of this delay, we would ask GPs and community pharmacists
to liaise closely to ensure that they have a sufficient stock of vaccine
before publicising their local campaigns and scheduling patients for
clinics,” the SEHD advises. Vaccine manufacturers are in the process
of contacting pharmacists to confirm supply dates. Backing this advice,
Frank Owens, chairman of the Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council,
said that the success of the vaccination programme depended on pharmacists
promptly advising GPs of any changes in delivery dates.
“Community pharmacists in Scotland have an important role to play
in ensuring the success of the forthcoming winter vaccination programme,
in securing
value for money in the procurement of vaccine, in managing associated
risks in supply, and in working closely with GP colleagues to co-ordinate
and deliver successfully the programme,” he commented.
National publicity campaigns for UK immunisation programmes will be launched
in late September or early October. |
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