Flu vaccine supplies running out

Health officials say concerns over bird flu have boosted demand for flu jabs causing a shortage of supplies.

Only three GP surgeries out of 40 in part in Lincolnshire have enough flu jabs to cope with demand.

There are no flu jabs at half of the health centres in areas including Lincoln, Gainsborough and Market Rasen.

Dr Robert Wilson, director of health improvement, West Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, said the avian flu scare has not helped the situation.

Slow process

"The number of vaccines manufactured this year was the same as last year but demand is much higher, so roughly half of practices have no supply or very few.

"The vaccines will not protect against bird flu but publicity has encouraged people to go to the doctor and ask for the vaccine," Dr Wilson said.

"There is a shortage as it is a slow vaccine to make as it is incubated in eggs and cannot be made quickly."

The Government is hoping to get more supplies and distribute them in January.

Dr Wilson said patients should still contact their local practice and make an appointment if possible as people in higher risk groups are still being encouraged to have a vaccine if needed.