§ 17. Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people within the target groups have been vaccinated against influenza. [137652]
§ Yvette CooperThe most recent monitoring figures from Influenza co-ordinators across England as at 31 October, show an average uptake of 47 per cent. among people aged 65 years and over. This shows good progress towards achieving the recommended 60 per cent. uptake figure set at the start of the campaign.
§ 38. Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of flu injections in West Sussex. [137674]
§ Yvette CooperGeneral practitioners 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.
Latest figures as at 8 November, show that 9.8 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. uptake in those aged 65 and over, and to achieve a substantial rise in uptake among those at risk under 65.