The NHS Flu Vaccination Service became live on the 1st September.

It arrived with a whimper.

Supply problems have already created problems and confusion. Even some surgeries have not received all their supplies and clinics are having to be postponed and rearranged.

Unfortunately this year there are two types of Infuenza Vaccine. A trivalent vaccine which is licensed for the over 65’s only. This is only being manufactured by one company, who have experienced major challenges in providing the whole of the countries requirements. Stocks are being released in phases, September, October and November.

There is a quadrivalent vaccine that is available for those under 65. There are several suppliers of this vaccine and therefore supplies are much easier to obtain, although some of the suppliers are 2 weeks in arrears with their order fulfilment.

Watch this space for further information.

At Woolleys Internet Pharmacy we have some stock of the quadrivalent vaccine for 18-65 year old patients. We offer it via the free NHS Infuenza Vaccination Service for those eligible or Privately for those not eligible for the free NHS Vaccination Service at a cost of £9.