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24/11/2005
Health Minister denies flu vaccine 'incompetence'
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has hit back against claims that government inefficiency and incompetence is responsible for the current shortage of flu vaccine, stating that GPs have failed to order enough supplies to cover demand.
Conservative leader Michael Howard had blamed the shortage of flu vaccine doses on "inefficiency and incompetence" by a government on the "skids."
According to the Department of Health, the 14 million flu vaccines ordered by GPs have all been used. A further 200,000 doses have been ordered from manufacturers, but they will not be available until January.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Hewitt said that doctors should prioritise the use of remaining stocks on individuals who are most at risk – including those aged 65 and over and younger people who are classified as having lowered immunity due to disease or treatment.
“I hope that we will be able, before the winter is out, to get a flu vaccine to every priority patient who wants it,” she said. “I’m just sorry that some people who are in the priority categories and who do wan a vaccination are being put to this anxiety now because their particular GP does not have the stocks available immediately.”
However, Dr Richard Vautrey, a member of the British Medical Association GPs Committee said that the Minister’s comments were grossly unfair.
“What is apparent is the Governments failure to plan. Ministers have responsibility for wider public health, and part of that is contingency planning. That’s not the GPs’ job.”
However, Tory leader Michael Howard yesterday attacked government handing of the vaccine crisis as a sign of incompetence and added: “If the department can so comprehensively bungle the routine administration of the seasonal flu vaccine, what confidence can we have in their ability to cope with a pandemic of bird flu?”
(CL/SP)
Conservative leader Michael Howard had blamed the shortage of flu vaccine doses on "inefficiency and incompetence" by a government on the "skids."
According to the Department of Health, the 14 million flu vaccines ordered by GPs have all been used. A further 200,000 doses have been ordered from manufacturers, but they will not be available until January.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Hewitt said that doctors should prioritise the use of remaining stocks on individuals who are most at risk – including those aged 65 and over and younger people who are classified as having lowered immunity due to disease or treatment.
“I hope that we will be able, before the winter is out, to get a flu vaccine to every priority patient who wants it,” she said. “I’m just sorry that some people who are in the priority categories and who do wan a vaccination are being put to this anxiety now because their particular GP does not have the stocks available immediately.”
However, Dr Richard Vautrey, a member of the British Medical Association GPs Committee said that the Minister’s comments were grossly unfair.
“What is apparent is the Governments failure to plan. Ministers have responsibility for wider public health, and part of that is contingency planning. That’s not the GPs’ job.”
However, Tory leader Michael Howard yesterday attacked government handing of the vaccine crisis as a sign of incompetence and added: “If the department can so comprehensively bungle the routine administration of the seasonal flu vaccine, what confidence can we have in their ability to cope with a pandemic of bird flu?”
(CL/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
