Flu vaccine availability for the 2006/07 winter season

The vaccine manufacturers advised the UK governments of problems with the growth of one of the virus strains recommended by the WHO for this year’s flu vaccine.  General Practices were told of this potential delay of their vaccine orders in July 2006 (Welsh Health Circular (2006) 047 dated 17 July 2006).

One of the strains that make up the vaccine, the H3N2 component was a slow grower in initial cultures.  This instigated the delay and the process had to re-start with a new virus.  The whole process of vaccine manufacture takes about 10 months so any delay such as this has a “knock on” effect.

The manufacturers recently confirmed the delay but have reassured us that all orders will be met and they will liase with GP practices to confirm their schedules of delivery.  The Chief Medical Officer wrote to practices with the up to date position on 27 September.

In July, GP’s were advised by the Welsh Health Circular to prioritise the “at risk” populations in their planning.   However, this recent confirmation that all orders will be met means that all who normally have flu vaccine e.g. healthcare workers and carers, can be accommodated.