Flu vaccine delay expected, so prioritise patients
Initial deliveries of influenza vaccine for the
2006–07 season could be insufficient to meet
demand, with subsequent supplies delayed, a
UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) statement
has warned. The announcement has
prompted advice on who should be prioritised
for vaccination, in letters from the
Department of Health (PDF, 85K)and the Scottish
Executive Health Department to GPs and
primary care organisations.
UVIG says that the delay will affect all
manufacturers of the vaccine because of the
low manufacturing yield of a particular
H3N2 strain recommended this year by the
World Health Organization.
The Government is urging primary care
organisations to have local strategies in place
to respond to procurement and distribution
difficulties. Priority should be given to all
persons aged 65 years or over and all those
over six months of age with the following risk
factors (as recommended by the Joint
Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation):
· Chronic respiratory disease and asthma that
requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled
or systemic steroids or with previous
exacerbations requiring hospital admission
· Chronic heart disease
· Chronic renal disease
· Chronic liver disease
· Diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic
drugs
· Immunosuppressed patients
Community pharmacists in Scotland are
responsible for procuring influenza vaccines
on behalf of GPs. Alex MacKinnon, head of
professional services development communication
and external relations at the Scottish
Pharmaceutical General Council, said that
the council has encouraged contractors to
place vaccine orders with their regular suppliers.“ The SPGC will continue to monitor the
situation at this stage.We continue to work
closely with the SEHD to minimise any
risks,” he said. “The biggest worry is GPs
booking a vaccination clinic but the stock not
being available when it is needed,” he added.
Further details about any possible delays
are expected from manufacturers in late July
and throughout August. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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