§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has taken to ensure sufficient influenza vaccine is available this winter; and if he will make a statement. [136154]
§ Yvette CooperThis year, we have extended the recommended groups for influenza immunisation to include everyone aged 65 and over, irrespective of their underlying health, as well as younger people in established high risk groups. This increase has led to record numbers of vaccine being made available, nearly 11 million this year compared to 7.8 million last year, an increase of 40 per cent.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) wrote to all general practitioners in May informing them of the change in policy and asked them as a matter of urgency to review their list of people eligible to receive the flu vaccine, and, order additional vaccine if required. A further letter was issued from the CMO on 1 August to all GP' s reminding them to order extra vaccine if they had not already done so.
Latest figures as at 31 October, show that 9.5 million doses of vaccine have already been distributed. This, along with the amount of vaccine still to be delivered, is a sufficient amount to exceed our immunisation target of 60 per cent. for this year.
GPs order their supply of flu vaccine direct from manufacturers. This year there are five suppliers of flu vaccine. Unfortunately one of the manufacturers, Solvay, has encountered problems in growing a strain of the vaccine which has led to delays in some deliveries. Solvay have been in touch with the affected GPs to tell them details of any delays, but have confirmed that all ordered vaccine will be delivered by the end of November, in time to protect people this winter.