UVIG Statement: Pulse Survey Results

23 November 2006

The UK Vaccines Industry Group (UVIG) recognises the importance of the seasonal flu vaccine as a public health initiative and, as part of this, the importance of communication about the delivery of supply.

UVIG can confirm that volume of flu vaccine and deliveries are on schedule as announced in August of this year and outlined in communications from the Department of Health.

This year, the vaccine supply has been delayed because of difficulties in growing one of the strains supplied by the World Health Organisation. This is a problem that has affected all of Europe.

The volume of vaccine exceeds last years total by 1 million doses – over 15 million doses will be delivered across the UK by the end of the year. Over 9 million doses were delivered to GPs by the end of October – as agreed with the Health Departments and notified to GPs and customers in August. Furthermore, over 13 million doses (90%) will have been delivered by the end of November.

UVIG and its member companies have worked closely with Health Departments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland since the beginning of June on this matter. UVIG advised UK governments and public health officials that a delay of the 2006 seasonal flu vaccine was anticipated due to the difficulties in growing one of the strains, recommended by the World Health Organisation, for the vaccine. Following detailed discussions this situation was confirmed to customers and the media a few weeks later

“Manufacturers have worked hard to ensure that its original commitment of in excess of 15 million doses would be delivered in time to complete the vaccination programme by December” said Paul Rayner, Chair of UVIG. “Individual GPs and customers affected were contacted during August to confirm delivery schedules allowing them time to plan vaccination clinics accordingly.”

This delivery schedule and volume will ensure that those eligible for vaccination as outlined by the CMO letters will be offered a vaccine before the end of the year and more people will be vaccinated than in previous years building on the success of the UK campaign.

The CMO letters advised surgeries to arrange clinics once their delivery schedules had been confirmed. Further more, it was confirmed that monitoring of flu vaccine up take rates won’t be completed until January 2007 and as such it is too early to suggest that coverage has been adversely affected.

The annual influenza campaign is an important public health initiative and UVIG continues to work closely with relevant authorities throughout the UK.

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