Mutant ‘superflu’ ripping by way of the UK sparks fears of a vaccine scarcity
Experts are warning that chemists are battling to cope with soaring demand for the vaccinations, with some stocks already running out
Millions of Brits face travelling miles to get jabs for a mutant superflu crippling the nation’s workforce. Medical experts say chemists are battling to cope with soaring demand for the vaccinations, with some stocks already running dry.
It comes as hospital chiefs warn the UK could be hit with its worst flu season on record thanks to the horrific H3N2 strain of the illness sending nearly 3,000 sufferers a day into ward beds.
A Boots spokesperson said about having limited spaces for vaccinations: “We have seen strong demand for flu jabs throughout the winter season. We continue to carry out pre-booked appointments and there are a small number of appointments still available for both NHS and private patients in selected stores.
“Many of our stores across the UK also offer vaccinations on a walk-in basis.”
And Nick Thayer, head of policy for The Company Chemists’ Association, added those wanting jabbed may need to look beyond their local pharmacies if they want one ahead of Christmas. He said: “There is no national shortage of flu vaccines, but the bulk of them are administered in October and November.
“By the time you get to December some places are running low, and some will have none left from their original allocation. There are a lot of places you can get vaccinated, but you might need to look around a bit – look on the websites for pharmacies, look on the NHS website, if you are eligible for a free jab or talk to your local pharmacy and ask.”
NHS England says flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half. An average of 2,660 patients per day also ended up in a hospital bed stricken with flu last week.
The figures mean there are enough flu patients a day to fill more than three hospital trusts. And experts warn there is still no “peak in sight”.
The H3N2 superflu is considered particularly virulent, and has led to Covid-era practices including masks being worn in hospitals and GP surgeries and schools being closed. Children and those aged over 65 are considered most vulnerable and are being urged to get jabbed.
But social media is being flooded with complaints they are being left without jabs.
One posted: “Everywhere I have tried have run out. I have to pay – my local pharmacy and GP only have some for people who don’t pay. I have to keep ringing pharmacies to see if they have received any each day.”
Another hit out: “Booked a flu jab online four weeks ago, paid for it, got email confirmation my prescription had been delivered to my chosen pharmacy. Today Boots has cancelled my appointment because vaccine has run out. Who got the dose I paid for and was waiting for me?”
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