Flu jab 2018

[percheron67]

I attended my GP's surgery to day for my flu jab. I am over 65, have diabetes and an immune system problem.

The very kind nurse who talked to me was very apologetic that there was no vaccine. She asked me to make it known that Health Professionals are very cross about the complete mess up that the Government/Health Authorities have made by not ensuring that the vaccine is available for all in need. She told me that, at the surgery, they start planning how many doses they will need nine months before they are needed! The poor girl has been shouted at by several people because the jabs are not there.

I hope I am not on the wrong part of Mumsnet to place my complaint. I want to reach as many people as possible. I intend to put a post on Gransnet as well. Thank you for reading and please don't blame Medics and staff.

The government/health authorities don't order flu vaccine in England (they do in Scotland). It is ordered directly from the manufacturer by GP practices. Either the manufacturer underestimated demand (there are over 10 million people over 65 in the UK; there have been orders for 9.3 million doses of vaccine, which is approximately what you'd expect) or a lot of GP practices have placed their orders too late (the deadline was in April).

The manufacturer says a lot of practices & pharmacies placed their orders late: www.gponline.com/extra-400000-doses-over-65-flu-jab-made-available-supply-problems/article/1496933