Government admits local shortages of flu vaccine

Some parts of England are facing shortages of flu vaccines, the government has admitted.

The treatments are ordered by GPs each year and delivered directly to surgeries, so there is no central stockpile of seasonal flu vaccines.

Suppliers have been asked to find out how much stock of UK-licensed vaccines is available.

However, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health insisted that there is "no national shortage" of the vaccine.

"Primary care trusts are working with their GPs to ensure that local supply issues are resolved locally where possible," she said, adding that the government is also liaising with strategic health authorities in order to overcome the pressures seen this winter.

According to the last weekly influenza report, which was published on December 31st 2010, 39 people have died so far this flu season.

The latest figures are due to be released today (January 6th 2011) and are expected to confirm further deaths from the illness.