Flu vaccine for primary school children aged 4-10 delayed due to 'supply issue'

Free flu vaccines for primary school children aged 4-10 in Wales have been delayed due to a supply issue.

The Welsh Government says due to factors "beyond our control" there has been a delay to some deliveries of the nasal spray vaccine used in the children’s flu vaccination programme.

As a result, health boards have been asked to reprioritise vaccines for children aged 2-3, or those aged 2-17 who are regarded as being "at risk".

The Welsh Government says the delay relates to issues around routine testing by the manufacturer and "is not related to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine".

They say an alternative supplier of the vaccine is not available.

Over 80,000 doses of vaccine had already been received by health boards for the school programme - sufficient for 46% of the total number of children vaccinated last year in schools.

Health boards have been asked to reschedule the school vaccination sessions which are being postponed as soon as the vaccines become available.

Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: "Flu doesn’t tend to start to circulate until mid-December but I appreciate that any delays in receiving the vaccine are worrying. If a suitable vaccine is not available at GP surgeries, individuals in at-risk groups should consider having the vaccine at a local pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination service.

"I acknowledge the impact that disruption to vaccine supplies has on delivering the flu vaccination campaign. I am grateful for the support of general practice staff, the school nursing service and other NHS staff during this challenging period."