Private flu vaccine stocks running low as cases rise

Getty Images An elderly woman with gray hair and glasses blows her nose while sitting on a sofa with a gray blanket over her shoulders. On the table in front of her is a box of tissues, as well as various bottles that may contain medications. — Latest figures show Scotland has reached high levels of influenza activity.

Pharmacies have warned that private supplies of flu vaccines are drying up.

It comes as the number of laboratory-confirmed cases rose 24% to 2,331 cases from December 1 to 7, up from 1,875 the previous week.

According to latest figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

Those eligible for the vaccine can access jabs from the NHS, but Community Pharmacy Scotland says people are paying for the vaccine at pharmacies for convenience.

“It's a mixture,” said head of policy and development Adam Osprey.

“Some people are telling us that supplies are running low, while others have completely run out and don't have much hope of getting supplies back.”

PHS said flu activity was rising more steadily this week compared with the sharp rise the week before.

Last week's data showed that the number of cases was more than twice a week.

However, it said the high activity threshold was reached earlier than in previous seasons.

Some health boards have had to close wards and limit visitors, with most asking people to wear masks.

NHS Grampian said the number of people in hospital in the area with flu had more than doubled in a week to 47.

The number of flu admissions to the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital was the highest ever, with 10 children admitted with the illness, the health board said.

Mr Osprey said it had been difficult to ensure the correct supply of vaccines because pharmacists place orders for flu shots around February so manufacturers know how much to make.

“If you produce or order too little, then obviously you won’t be able to meet demand,” he said. Radio Scotland Breakfast.

“But if you go the other way, you'll end up with a stockpile that will have to be destroyed because you won't be able to use it next season. So it's kind of a balancing game.

“When you can't predict these things, it impacts your stock and causes it to fall sooner than expected.”

He encouraged people to try different pharmacies if local ones run out of stock.

PHS previously warned that flu season was two weeks earlier than usual.

The dominant flu strain is believed to have mutated more than usual this summer, meaning the vaccine may be less effective, although it will still provide some protection and prevent people from becoming seriously ill.

PHS said new data showed the vaccine prevents severe flu, with children being 78% less likely to be hospitalized if vaccinated.

It said vaccinated adults in Scotland aged 65 and over were 37% less likely to be hospitalized.

Under current rules, everyone in Scotland over 65, and people aged 18 to 65 who are at risk due to an underlying health condition, are entitled to a free flu jab from the NHS.

Children ages two to five and school age also receive the vaccine as a nasal spray.

But people aged 50 to 64, as well as teachers and prison officers, are no longer eligible for the vaccine, despite the program being extended during the Covid pandemic.

People who are not eligible for the free vaccine can order it privately from a pharmacy.

They usually cost between £18 and £20.

Dr Kym Marsh, from PHS, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself from serious flu illness and also plays an important role in reducing the spread of flu in the community, helping to ensure everyone doesn't miss out on the opportunity to socialize with friends and family over the festive season.”

Analysis by Lisa Summers, BBC Scotland health correspondent.

The early emergence of flu has caused headaches for health boards managing the vaccination program, which usually starts in September and continues until December.

There is no perfect system, and each part of the country does it differently.

Some areas are using GPs and pharmacies, while others are asking people to come to community clinics. Additional appointments and pop-up clinics will be held this year to ensure eligible people can get vaccinated.

Some pharmacists say they have seen an increase in the number of people eligible for a free vaccine choosing to pay because it is more convenient or because they find the NHS system confusing.

This may be one reason why they report lower supplies among those who do not meet NHS criteria.

Uptake of NHS vaccines fell slightly on the same period last year, but not significantly.

What is even more alarming is that in some groups the rate remains very low. For example, only 13.6% of social service workers received the jab. We may have to work on education or flexible assignments if we want to improve the situation.

Despite concerns that the vaccine may not be as effective against a new mutation of the virus circulating this year, research shows it is just as effective against serious illness.

That's why experts say it's important to make sure you get a hit if you qualify.