Flu vaccine issues to be resolved 'in next 10 days' according to health board

NHS Grampian bosses heading-up the delivery of the flu vaccine have said that issues currently affecting the system should be resolved in the next 10 days – and reassured those eligible that they will receive their vaccine.

More than 40,000 people in the over-65s and at-risk categories, in the region, have already had their jab as part of the programme – with more than 1,500 being added to that total each day.

Issues with appointment letters and the flu helpline continue to be worked on with extra staff to assist answer calls and emails, with additional phonelines put in place from tomorrow (20/10/20).

NHS Grampian deputy chief executive, Adam Coldwells said: “Work continued at pace over the weekend to resolve these issues and to deliver the vaccine. In the next ten days we expect to be ahead in terms of getting letters delivered and people should be receiving these in good time.

“Unfortunately it is likely in next few days some people may receive their letters either on the day or after their appointment. These people do not need to worry, they should call the helpline and we will book them back in.”

The helpline, which was established to deal with people who were unable to attend their given appointment has been inundated with calls – however many have been people who are yet to receive their appointments or people raising concerns about the change in the system.

Adam added: “We need people to be patient with us. Everyone will receive their appointment letter in the next three to four weeks. Please do not call the helpline if you haven’t received your letter. We will get to you. If you do need to call the helpline if you could leave it until later in the week that would be very helpful.

“Please be reassured people who have missed their appointment will get another appointment. Anyone who has not received a letter, please don't worry, the Flu programme runs for many weeks yet, the letters are send out in batches not all at the same time.

“No one will miss out on their vaccine as a result of these issues – that’s very important to remember. We’ve been up and running three weeks and we’ve vaccinated more than 30,000 over-65s. This figure doesn’t include children vaccinated at schools and health care staff. The teams on the ground, at the centres, are working incredibly hard to deliver the vaccine and the feedback from patient’s who have received it, in this new way, has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve apologised for the issues and we’re working extremely hard to get back on track. It’s the first time we have delivered the vaccine like this and there has absolutely been teething issues and a learning curve.

“We’d logistical problems getting the vaccine to some venues and, again, that’s something we’re working to avoid a repeat of.”

While flu vaccine clinics are being held in schools during the October holidays, there will be further clinics into mid-December to ensure all priority groups are covered.

“We know this is an anxious time and it is fantastic that so many people are responding and looking to ensure they have their flu vaccination,” Adam added.

Pregnant women living in Aberdeenshire and Moray will be offered their flu vaccination from their community midwife. In Aberdeen women will be invited to attend a vaccination appointment at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital prior to their 12 and 20 weeks scans. The immunisation team will make direct contact with those women.

Appointments are currently being issued for those aged between 2-5 years.