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Flu vaccine supplies: Chorin Fluvirin

Letters to flu immunisation co-ordinators on obtaining supplies following the suspension of supplies of Fluvirin from Chiron Vaccines.

Information from immunisation coordinators shows that doctors acted on advice and guidance issued by the Department of Health at the time of the suspension, and obtained supplies from alternative sources.

By November 29, 2004, over 12.6 million doses of flu vaccine had been distributed, approximately one million more than at the same time in 2003. A further 720,000 doses were still available and orders for Department of Health contingency stock had slowed considerably.

Media reports of shortages were based on much earlier feedback from general practitioners, at the start of the immunisation campaign in October.

Uptake of flu jabs by the public in November was 69%, putting the Department on target to reach the recommended 70% uptake for the 2004/5 campaign overall.

• Download letter to flu immunisation co-ordinators - 28 September 2004 (PDF, 127K)
• Download follow-up letter to flu imminsation co-ordinators - 5 October 2004 (PDF, 108K)