Northern Ireland

Pre-schoolers affected by flu vaccine delays

Pre-schoolers are affected by a flu vaccine delay
Pre-schoolers are affected by a flu vaccine delay Pre-schoolers are affected by a flu vaccine delay

FLU jab clinics for children are being postponed in some parts of Northern Ireland due to a delay in the delivery of a "nasal" vaccine, it has emerged.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed the development but added that eligible adults will not be affected and should attend their GP as normal.

The Irish News has learned that one Co Down GP practice was forced to cancel 100 'pre-school' slots for young children at a clinic on Saturday, while letters were sent by north Belfast and Crossgar surgeries postponing planned slots for earlier this month.

A PHA spokeswoman confirmed issues with the supply and the knock-on impact across the NHS for children,

However, she stressed that the fully supply will arrive, although at a later date. Letters have been sent to GP surgeries to provide assurances.

"This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the flu strains to be included in the 2019-20 Northern hemisphere flu vaccines one month later than usual. This has meant that the vaccine manufacturers have had to produce flu vaccine over a shorter period of time and as a result some flu vaccines are arriving into the United Kingdom slightly later than expected," she said.

"All injectable flu vaccines (given to adults) have all already arrived into NI and those eligible, over 65 years, under 65 years with underlying health condition, pregnant women and health care workers, can receive the vaccine as normal.

"Across the UK, there has been an impact on the children's nasal vaccine (Fluenz Tetra) and all UK countries have been affected although the full stock will still arrive. In Northern Ireland, the children's vaccine has started to arrive but is arriving in smaller batches and slightly later than anticipated."

The children's vaccine programme is for two to 17 year-olds and is delivered through schools and GP practices.

It runs from October to December, with the delay sparking concerns that flu season will well underway before children can be vaccinated.

The PHA spokeswoman added: "The PHA is working closely with the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), Regional Pharmacy Procurement Service and the distribution company to ensure that the vaccine is delivered as quickly as possible to those at greatest need.

"The school programme has already started and deliveries for the GP programme will commence around mid-October. This is still enough time for all children to be vaccinated before flu generally starts circulating.

"This information is being circulated to all GP practices across Northern Ireland."

Last year a flu vaccine shortage for pensioners forced GPs to 'stagger' the jab to thousands of patients in the north for the first time.