Written Question · S5W-26179 · Session 5
In light of reports of disruption to the childhood flu immunisation programme due to a shortage of supply in some batches of the nasal spra…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of disruption to the childhood flu immunisation programme due to a shortage of supply in some batches of the nasal spray flu vaccine, what action it is taking to support NHS boards.
The answer
As I said in the chamber on the 21 st November, NHS Boards have experienced delays in the delivery to the over 65’s flu vaccine (aTIV) and the childhood flu vaccine (Fluenz Tetra).
The delay in the supply of a proportion of the children’s flu vaccine is due to issues with routine quality assurance testing of the vaccine by the manufacturer, Astrazeneca, which are not related to the safety or efficacy of the vaccines.
I would like to reassure parents and families that we are doing everything possible to minimise any disruption caused by the delay in supply of the Fluenz Tetra.
To aide planning by NHS Boards, a Chief Medical Officer letter was issued on 1st November 2019 to prioritise children with eligible health conditions and two to five year olds, similar to other parts of the UK. The Chief Medical Officer also made NHS boards aware that Scotland is anticipated to receive its full allocation of Fluenz over the course of the season and would therefore expect any missed sessions in primary schools to be re-scheduled for a later date or alternative arrangements made.
The delay to the over 65s flu vaccine was due to process issues within Movianto, the supplier that has been contracted to store and distribute the flu vaccine. The majority of these delays have now been resolved and we are assured that the remaining delays will be resolved by the end of this week.
The delay in the supply of a proportion of the children’s flu vaccine is due to issues with routine quality assurance testing of the vaccine by the manufacturer, Astrazeneca, which are not related to the safety or efficacy of the vaccines.
I would like to reassure parents and families that we are doing everything possible to minimise any disruption caused by the delay in supply of the Fluenz Tetra.
To aide planning by NHS Boards, a Chief Medical Officer letter was issued on 1st November 2019 to prioritise children with eligible health conditions and two to five year olds, similar to other parts of the UK. The Chief Medical Officer also made NHS boards aware that Scotland is anticipated to receive its full allocation of Fluenz over the course of the season and would therefore expect any missed sessions in primary schools to be re-scheduled for a later date or alternative arrangements made.
The delay to the over 65s flu vaccine was due to process issues within Movianto, the supplier that has been contracted to store and distribute the flu vaccine. The majority of these delays have now been resolved and we are assured that the remaining delays will be resolved by the end of this week.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-26179 by reference.