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Flu jabs in the news

6 October 2006

Reports this week claim that there are delays in the supply of the flu vaccination to GP surgeries.

The UK Department of Health (DH) issued a statement on 2 October 2006 stating that supply of the vaccine will be spread over October and November, with delivery completed in December.

When is the best time to have a flu jab?

The best time to have a flu jab between September and early November, before the flu season begins.

What does the delay in flu jabs mean?

Leaving the flu jab until later in the year leaves people exposed to flu for longer. This may mean that some people are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying as a result of catching flu.

Who should have flu vaccination?

People who are more at risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they catch flu should have a flu vaccination. These include everyone over 65 and people, including babies older than six months, who have:

• respiratory (breathing) disease, including asthma
• heart disease
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• diabetes
• lowered immunity because of a disease or treatment

Other people who may be offered a vaccination include:

• people living in long-stay residential care homes
• carers
• healthcare workers

Why doesn't everyone need a flu jab?

For most people, flu is a nasty illness but is not usually serious. But in some people it can lead to serious illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu kills thousands of people in the UK every year.

I am in an at-risk group - what should I do?

Most GPs will invite patients for a flu jab, with those most in need being invited first. If you have not heard from your GP surgery and you are concerned, give them a ring.

I'm not in an at-risk group - can I have a flu vaccination?

Some workplaces offer flu vaccination to their staff. Alternatively, you may be able to pay for a flu vaccination at a private health clinic.

If I have my jab in December, won't it be too late?

The flu season usually peaks from around December to March, so even if you don't get your jab until December, it's still worth having.

Why are there problems with the flu vaccine supply?

In June 2006, the UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) warned that there may be a delay in the supply of flu vaccination this year because of a problem growing one of the strains of virus needed for the vaccine.

UVIG represents the vaccination industry and works with the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) to promote the benefits of vaccination as a way to improve the health of people in the UK.

Is there a shortage of vaccine?

No. The DH is reassuring GPs and patients that the vaccine manufacturers have overcome the production problem and confirmed that they can deliver enough vaccine.

The DH ordered 15.2 million doses of flu vaccine to be made available for this year's flu season.

What are GPs doing about the flu vaccine delay?

The DH has advised GPs to confirm with their supplier when they will be receiving their vaccine and to make vaccination plans accordingly.

GPs will offer the first flu vaccinations to people who are most in need.

GPs should also be keeping in touch with their local flu immunisation coordinator, who can help to share out any extra vaccination supplies between GP surgeries where possible.

Will the jab protect me against "bird flu"?

No. A new supply of vaccine is made each year to protect against the strains of flu that are expected to cause problems in the coming winter. It does not cover the strain (H5N1) that causes bird flu. Please see the separate news story for more information about bird flu.

I had a flu jab last year - do I need another one?

Yes. The vaccine only provides protection for about a year. A new vaccine against different strains of the flu virus is made each year.

I'm not having my jab until later in the year - what can I do to reduce the risk of catching flu in the meantime?

There are a few practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu:

• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze and throw away used tissues promptly and carefully
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from hands to face
• keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
• keep away from crowded places whenever possible
• clean hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently with your normal cleaning product

For more information about flu, please see the Bupa health factsheet Colds and flu.

Sources

1. Government issues advice to GPs on Flu jab supply. Press release, Government News Network. Department of Health. 2 October 2006.
2. If you knew about flu you'd get the jab. NHS patient information leaflet. July 2006.
3. Seasonal influenza flu FAQ. Health Protection Agency. www hpa.org.uk accessed 3 October 2006
4. UK Vaccine Industry Group. www.uvig.org accessed 2 October 2006
5. Bird flu and pandemic influenza. Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk accessed 3 October 2006
6. The influenza immunisation programme 2006/2007. Letter to GPs from the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. 29 July 2006.

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