Glasgow GP warns of flu vaccine shortage

A Glasgow GP's warning of a flu vaccination shortage, despite reassurances from the Scottish Government that the country is stocked up.

Dr Kevin Connaughton's Bridgeton practice has only been given around a quarter of the doses it needs.

He says he has 1,200 patients who qualify to receive it but only 300 jabs and is concerned of the impact it could have.

Dr Connaughton told Clyde News: "There is absolutely no doubt that there is a shortage of flu vaccine. The amount may have been enough for a normal year when perhaps the uptake from the vaccine wouldn't be as high as we're expecting it to be this year.

"One of the difficulties I see is this year, I think in general practice, we should have had a real duty to absolutely promote flu vaccines much more than we would normally. There are real issues with combination of flu and Coronavirus.

"There's going to be demand on ventilators and ICU places from both illnesses independently. And then there are the real risks of problems when if someone is unfortunate enough to contract them both at the same time. Also, it's important that as many hospital staff and carers are fully vaccinated so that absences can be reduced.

"The other big unknown is exactly how influenza and coronavirus simultaneously will affect people. And you know that there have been some reports that it increases the mortality. One concern I have is that some strains of flu tend to particularly affect younger people. Swine flu does that and so did Spanish flu.

"So, there would be a worry that if this year's flu does particularly affect younger people that then may interact with simultaneous Coronavirus. And while so far with Coronavirus, young people have been quite unaffected by if they're in good health that might change."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The seasonal flu vaccine will be vitally important this year to protect the most vulnerable and support the NHS in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“NHS Boards are responsible for delivering the vaccine, and we are working with them to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine can receive it. We have procured enough vaccine to vaccinate all those who are eligible, modelled on a demand of 2.4 million people. Should anyone eligible experience any issues with receiving their flu vaccine we would expect boards to resolve this swiftly.”

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde said: "We have a robust plan in place to deliver this year’s flu vaccination programme which is different than previous years and is already underway.

"We are using an appointments-based system for those who are elgible because of the need to socially distance. Patients will be invited to attend a community flu vaccination centre or their local GP practice through a letter in the post.

"GP practices will be providing the flu vaccine for patients under the age of 65 years old and are in an at risk group. GP practices have been told they only need to order vaccine supplies for their patients that fall in this group. All other patients will be contacted and asked to attend a community flu vaccination centre.

"In order to avoid any delays to getting the vaccine we would encourage those eligible to keep the appointment they have been allocated.

"All those eligible will be notified of their appointment within the next eight to ten weeks.

"As per Scottish Government direction, vaccination for the different groups will be staggered with those most at risk being prioritised. From October this will be people over 65 years old and those younger with specific conditions. From December, those aged 55 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible will also be offered the flu vaccine."

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