Shortage of flu vaccine

Health chiefs have admitted there is a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine in the Island.

It comes less than a week after 3,000 doses of the swine flu equivalent were released from the Department of Health's stockpile to ease the dwindling supplies of the seasonal vaccine.

Many pharmacists are reporting they can’t get any seasonal flu vaccine because of increased immunisation in the UK.

The public health directorate is stressing the swine flu vaccine can be used in its place and will be offered to over 65 year-olds and those aged six months to 64 years who have conditions which makes them more vulnerable to catching flu.

It’s also particularly useful for pregnant women.