SF - Celvapan and pregnancy - what's the latest?

[Hobnobfanatic]

After contacting my PCT last week, I saw my doc today, who agreed I could have Celvapan as pregnant. This is all following the DofH letter to PCTs on 19 Nov. My doc gave me a referral letter to another practice inthe county that has celvapan stocks. I phoned them to arrange the vaccine and they've refused, saying that there's new information, as of this afternoon, saying Pandemrix IS safe for pregnant women and that they won't give it to me. I now have to go back to my own docs, but they aren't around now until tomorrow.

Anyone know what this new directive is?

As far as I am aware, you ARE entitled to it as a pregnant woman, BUT you have to wait until all the other individuals who have egg allergies have had the shot before you can get it, which is making it quite difficult to get hold of in some parts of the country. In addition, there is a general shortage of Celvapan because of the way that it is made, the small amounts that the UK have purchased, and also because it is trickier to administer because of the lack of adjuvants (i.e. once opened you have to use it all up within hours ).

This is what makes it easy for some PCTs to be awkward about making it available and it really is a bit of a postcode lottery.

However, keep on pushing, as you ARE entitled.

The PCT was helpful last week - and entirely supportive to me having it, as was my GP. BUt this clinic with Celvapan say no, and that guidance has now changed, as of this afternoon.

All very odd.

Any GPs or Practice Managers out there, who know what the latest info was today?

Hi Hobnobfanatic

I phoned my GP today to see if they had received Clevepan yet and they had so they booked me in for it next week on the basis that as I am pregnant I can have it whereas 2 weeks ago they didnt have any clevepan so maybe this is an indication that the doses are getting distributed now?

That's good news, Brightred. I've finally found a clinic that will accept my referral letter - there are only two in Gloucestershire, apparently, so I'm having to travel an hour each way to get it - and that's twice for the two jabs. Grrrrrr. I just have to stay flu-free until 5 Jan now, when I get the second vaccine...

Interesting Hobnob. I've been offered a referral by my GP (also in Gloucestershire) but haven't got the go-ahead yet. Wonder if it'll be approved or not....