Over 65s flu jab shortage ends as new supplies arrive

Friday 09 November 2018

Supplies of a specialist flu vaccine for elderly people have arrived in Jersey after an island-wide shortage saw many in the “vulnerable” group left waiting for over a month to have their jab.

Those who require the vaccine are now urged to get in contact with their GPs and local pharmacies as soon as possible in order to ensure that they are protected before the onset of winter, as it takes two weeks before the vaccine provides full immunity.

The Health Department announced the arrival of the fresh stock this afternoon – nearly a week after Express revealed that elderly islanders, the group deemed to be most “at risk” of hospitalisation or even death from flu, were being turned away from GPs and pharmacies across the island because many had run out.

The difficulty arose because over 65s were offered an “enhanced” version of the vaccine known as Fluad, following one of the UK’s worst winters for flu.

Fluad was only available from one particular supplier, which staggered their delivery of the jab in order to meet demand. But several GPs and pharmacies told Expressthat they weren’t warned of this in advance, meaning that they soon ran out.

For one islander in her 80s, this meant a wait of a month-and-a-half in order to get her vaccine.

Dr Linda Diggle, Head of Preventative Programmes, thanked the age group for their “patience”, stating that the vaccine would be “worth the wait.”

She commented: “This year’s supply issue affected Jersey exactly as it did the UK. While we were always confident of getting the supplies promised in good time and of being able to protect people ahead of the winter, the delay has nevertheless been frustrating.  

“We know that those people aged 65 and over are usually amongst the first group to get themselves protected. Around 4000 people in this age group have been vaccinated so far in Jersey, but we’re aware many have had to wait. Supplies are now on island. It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to give you the immunity you need, so I’d urge people to contact their surgery or to go to one of the many pharmacies that have vaccine available.”

Dr Diggle added: “The older we get beyond 65, the more vulnerable we become to suffering complications from flu, including secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. There’s also a higher chance of elderly adults needing to go into hospital if they catch flu, and sadly, older adults are more at risk of dying from flu. Please get yourself vaccinated. After having the vaccine, you should expect an achy arm for a day or two but nothing more. Prevention is by far your best protection against the unpredictable flu virus.”