Flu vaccines are 'still available' for pharmacies to source despite reports of shortages, according to the the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC).
The negotiator today (15 January) confirmed that ‘flu vaccinations are still available within the pharmacy wholesaler market, so pharmacies needing vaccinations should still be able to source them’.
Two realities?
Alastair Buxton, PSNC director of NHS services, said: ‘As we reach the end of the traditional period for vaccinating people against flu, it would be normal for community pharmacies to be running stocks down as part of their stock management systems.
‘While stock is clearly not as plentiful as it was at the start of the season, supplies are available within the pharmacy wholesale market, and with community pharmacies often receiving two deliveries of medicines per day from wholesalers, most should be able to restock quickly if needed.’
But some reported on Twitter that many pharmacists have run out of flu jabs.
It’s so sad to see how many children have died from the flu recently. Keep children away from you if you have the flu (if you can help it!).
Chemists reporting they’re also running low on flu jabs and fearing an epidemic.
— 🎅🏼 Samuel Carvalho (@SamCarvalho) January 12, 2018
Is is true pharmacies are running out of flu jabs?
— Roy Lilley (@RoyLilley) January 12, 2018
I think it sadly may be
— Sara Nelson (@SaraNelsonRGN) January 12, 2018
London Pharmacies have given 1752 #Influenza2017 vaccine since 1st Jan and they are currently making every effort to get more vaccines for Londoners until end of January 2018. More details on Monday #AllOurHealth #Lead2Add - thanks for everyone’s support. pic.twitter.com/eQHhVUUIms
— #HelloMyNameIs Kenny (@kennygibsonnhs) January 13, 2018
Yes. Almost all gone and no fresh supplies forthcoming either
— Graham Phillips (@grahamsphillips) January 12, 2018
I was in a pharmacy queue today and the lady who enquired was told all stocks were gone!
— Stuart Randall (@SRands1978) January 12, 2018
So I was told today
— Liz Jones (@amplifythegrape) January 12, 2018
High levels of flu
Latest data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that there has been a 78% increase in the number of GP consultation for flu-like illness, with hospitalisation levels 2.5 times higher than those at the same time last year.
Professor Paul Cosford, medical director at PHE, said that 'data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospital with flu'.
He said: ‘We are currently seeing a mix of flu types, including the A(H3N2) strain that circulated last winter in the UK and then in Australia. The A(H3N2) strain particularly affects older, more vulnerable age groups.
‘We encourage anyone who is eligible to take up their offer of the flu vaccine – it is not too late.
‘People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneezes in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu. Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu.’
The flu vaccination service runs until March.
Keep your clinical knowledge up to date with The Pharmacist
Extend your learning and record your learning outcomes
Have your say
Please add your comment in the box below. You can include links, but HTML is not permitted. Please note that comments are not moderated before publication and the views expressed are those of the user and do not reflect the views of The Pharmacist. Remember that submission of comments is governed by our Terms and Conditions. You can also read our full guidelines on article comments here – but please be aware that you are legally liable for any libellous or offensive comments that you make. If you have a complaint about a comment or are concerned that a comment breaches our terms and conditions, please use the ‘Report this comment’ function to alert our web team.