NHS reassures about flu vaccines and calls for seniors to get vaccinated



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Health officials have called on older people to get the flu shot in an attempt to dispel fears of a vaccine shortage.

Last week, concerns were expressed that people over the age of 65 may be refused following a doctor's consultation after a survey revealed that the majority of doctors family said that their office was suffering from a shortage of staff.

Seqirus, the sole provider of the new vaccine for people over 65, has made staggered deliveries to meet global demand, NHS England said.

But doctors have expressed concerns about staged deliveries.

And a survey conducted by GP Pulse magazine of 650 general practitioners revealed that 68.5% of them said their firm had suffered from a shortage.

But NHS England has now assured that all vaccines have been delivered as ordered.

Seqirus has now sent the final supplies to England.

Officials also called on people aged 65 and over to get the flu shot as part of what has been dubbed the NHS 'most important flu vaccination program.

NHS England said that 8.5 million people would be able to receive the vaccine for free before winter, including the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

In this influenza season, the elderly are offered a new vaccine that would give them better protection than previous versions.

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Last week, concerns were raised that more than 65 years could be denied to medical practices (Joe Giddens / PA)

Professor Jane Cummings, Chief Nurse for England, said: "This is the largest flu vaccination program we have ever undertaken to offer more people than ever the greatest opportunity to help themselves. to protect themselves.

"This year, three types of vaccines are being used, including the trivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine, or ACTIV, which is expected to provide better protection for those 65 years of age and older.

"AITV shipments have been underway since September and, with all vaccines sent to general practitioners and pharmacies, we urge those who have not yet received their flu shots to receive it as soon as possible. possible.

"About 8.5 million doses of vaccine have been ordered, with about a million excess doses available. The current absorption rate for those aged 65 and over is 45.2%, so we look forward to seeing an increase in this number.

"In addition to older adults and those with chronic diseases, we want other groups at risk, such as pregnant women and young children, to be protected as well. It is certainly not too late for people to get vaccinated. "

Professor Paul Cosford, Medical Director of Public Health England, added, "The flu can be extremely serious and can kill the most vulnerable. Vaccination is by far the best defense we have.

"The vaccine is offered free of charge to all those at increased risk of influenza.

"In addition to influenza vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of influenza is to practice good hand hygiene.

"Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, discard the tissue and wash your hands."

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer in England, said: "The flu can kill and the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others.

"More vaccines than ever are now available and I strongly encourage all people in a vulnerable group to contact their doctor or pharmacy and get the vaccine."

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