This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Flu vaccine shortfall
22/11/2005
Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns has confirmed that a shortfall in seasonal innfluenza vaccine seems to have been caused by the high level of demand from people seeking to be vaccinated.
He said:
"Early indications are that there is a shortfall in the supply of seasonal influenza vaccine. Information about the exact size of the shortfall is still being collated.
"The shortfall appears to be the result of very high demand, but the reasons behind it will be investigated further.
"It's good that there has been larger uptake this year in the flu vaccination, as it means more people in our targeted groups are protected against flu and the complications it might cause for them.
"We will be writing to all NHS Boards today to advise them of the contingency vaccine supply arrangements.
"We will stress that we expect vaccination to be targeted at groups eligible to receive the free flu vaccine, such as the over 65s and those with chronic medical conditions.
"We ordered a larger contingency supply this year than previously, and this will be deployed to help meet the shortfall. We currently have a contingency of 27,000 flu vaccines and we are expecting a further 50,000 vaccines shortly."