‘No shortage of flu vaccine’ say health bosses

Public health registrar at NHS Bedfordshire, Dr James Smith, has encouraged people who are at risk of contracting seasonal flu to make sure they receive their free flu vaccination.

He told the Herald&Post: ““We are currently experiencing a late surge in demand for the seasonal flu vaccine and this has led to an increased number of practices reporting that they require further supplies.

“GPs have been advised that they can offer last year’s swine flu vaccine to those who are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine.

“There are practices who don’t need as many, and there are some that are running short, so we are making sure that we are sharing the vaccines around the surgeries so we have enough to go around.”

Dr Smith added: “If we run out of vaccines to fight against three types of flu, then we will be using the swine flu vaccines, so people should feel assured that we are not going to run out.

“It is still very important for those who are at risk to make sure they get vaccinated against the seasonal flu because they are more liable to catch a more serious illness. I would urge anyone who hasn’t already done so to book an appointment with their local GP.”

Those most at risk of contracting the illness are people aged over 65, people with lung, heart or neurological conditions, and pregnant women, which is a new addition to the at risk list this year.

Anyone who thinks they have flu is advised to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers.