MOST community pharmacies and GP practices across Monmouthshire have run out of the new flu vaccine for the over 65s.

The message from the county’s health board, however, is that the third scheduled roll-out of supplies will begin early in November and everyone entitled to the free aTIV vaccination should be able to have this before the end of the month.

Some older people waiting longer than they expected for an appointment are understandably concerned about the delay.

One couple in their seventies told the Beacon they had failed to find a doctor’s surgery or pharmacy in Raglan, Usk or Monmouth last week that could offer them the vaccination.

Superdrug and Boots in Monmouth confirmed on Tuesday (30th October) that they had run out of supplies a few weeks ago but were expecting to be restocked in a couple of weeks. It was a similar story at doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies we contacted in Monmouth, Usk, Raglan and Caldicot, although one pharmacy in Chepstow said they didn’t have a problem.

For the first time this year there are different vaccines for the over 65s and under 65s.

The over 65s injectable vaccine - aTIV -covers three flu strains and has added proteins to boost the immune system, which are meant to make it more effective.

The change is intended to significantly reduce GP consultations, hospital visits and hospital deaths. The vaccine is also more cost effective.

Last year flu took a big toll, particularly of older people, with approximately 15,000 deaths across the UK compared with the average of 8,000. The vaccine, designed to combat the three main circulating strains of flu as identified by the World Health Organization, was not as effective as anticipated against a strain dubbed ‘Aussie flu’.

This year’s adjuvanted vaccine, first licensed in 1997 and in use in Italy and Spain for many years, is expected to be 20 per cent more effective.

But some GPs had previously raised concerns about the delivery schedule and the prospect of not receiving 40 per cent of their supply until November – potentially well into the flu season.

Boots Monmouth’s pharmacy adviser, Maria Johnston, acknowledged that some customers were becoming a bit concerned.

“We’re expecting a delivery on November 19th but have no idea how much we will receive - and we already have 30 people booked in in the first two days.

“It’s difficult to say if demand is higher than usual because people who can’t get a vaccination at their doctor’s are being sent to us in case we can help.”

She added that the ‘season’ for vaccination was likely to be extended into the new year.

A spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: “The situation in Monmouthshire reflects that of the position across the whole of the UK in that the delivery of supplies of flu vaccine to GP practices and community pharmacies is being staggered between September and November. This means that some people may be asked to wait and return when the most effective vaccine for them is available.

“People may be offered a later appointment than usual but can be reassured they will be vaccinated”.