GPs run short of flu jabs

Doctors face a worrying shortage in the flu vaccine this winter.

Despite repeated assurances, some GPs are cancelling appointments because of dwindling supplies.

One practice in Surrey says it has been forced to write 700 letters to patients informing them of the problem and asking them not to make new appointments.

Another in Hillingdon had to hunt around for new stocks when a supplier cancelled deliveries. This comes after UK-based manufacturer Chiron Vaccines experienced problems with batches of jabs and had its licence withdrawn.

Of the 14 million doses of flu vaccine ordered by the Department of Health, Chiron had been due to supply 2.4 million. Other firms were brought in in a bid to supply all surgeries by mid-November.