Influenza vaccine supply 2005/6

26 July 2005

Supply assured for influenza vaccines 2005/06 season – some delivery delays expected.

UVIG is aware that delivery of some flu vaccines will be delayed by up to four weeks. This situation has arisen due to a number of external factors. Whilst this situation doesn’t affect all manufacturers, UVIG has confirmed that individual suppliers will contact GP practices directly regarding any likely impact on flu vaccine deliveries

The national influenza policy recommends that vaccination is given to those aged 65 and over and people in at risk groups between September and November each year. The vaccine manufacturers have every reason to believe that despite this delay, flu vaccine will be available to ensure that people receive their vaccination as per the Department of Health recommendation. Doctors should keep orders with current suppliers and arrange vaccination clinic times in accordance with any revised delivery schedule.

Each year the World Health Organisation Influenza Surveillance Network provides information on the current circulating strains of influenza virus, identifying the appropriate strains to be included in the next season’s flu vaccine.

This year flu vaccine manufacturers have had to work with external constraints, which may cause delays of up to 3-4 weeks with regard to planned delivery dates.

The UK vaccine manufacturers are committed to working with the Department of Health to ensure the appropriate supply of flu vaccines in the UK, which remain an important public health measure each winter.

Key facts about flu vaccination:
- Vaccination against flu reduces the possibility of death as a result of flu infection by as much as 75% and prevents 43-63% of deaths from influenza associated respiratory illness
- Generally the risks of serious complications and death associated with influenza can be avoided through repeated annual flu vaccination