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Scots 'not asked by English for spare flu jabs' | Scots 'not asked by English for spare flu jabs' |
(40 minutes later) | |
By Nick Triggle Health reporter, BBC News | By Nick Triggle Health reporter, BBC News |
Scotland says it was never asked by England for some of its spare flu vaccines, despite the shortfall south of the border. | Scotland says it was never asked by England for some of its spare flu vaccines, despite the shortfall south of the border. |
But England's Department of Health said there were talks even though a formal approach was not made. | |
English health officials have scoured Europe for jabs after some areas ran out before deciding to use old stocks left over from the pandemic. | |
But the Scottish government said it would have tried to help if asked. | |
It has 40,000 doses in an emergency stockpile. | |
Contingency pot | Contingency pot |
A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "We would always consider helping England in any way appropriate should a request be made, while our priority has to be public health in Scotland which is what we have planned for." | |
But even though there was no direct request, the BBC understands the issue of vaccines was brought up in discussions between civil servants on Tuesday. | |
The Department of Health said its understanding was that there was only a "nominal" amount that could be made available and even this would not be freed up straight-away. A spokeswoman said that was why no formal approach was made. | |
Instead of turning to Scotland, which has reported no vaccine shortages, English health officials have spent time this week asking suppliers whether there are any available vaccines in Europe. | Instead of turning to Scotland, which has reported no vaccine shortages, English health officials have spent time this week asking suppliers whether there are any available vaccines in Europe. |
But with little on offer, they took the decision on Thursday to let GPs who have run out access the 12m stockpile of vaccine left over from 2009. | But with little on offer, they took the decision on Thursday to let GPs who have run out access the 12m stockpile of vaccine left over from 2009. |
It is still in date, but only protects against the swine flu strain, just one of three circulating this winter albeit the dominant one. | It is still in date, but only protects against the swine flu strain, just one of three circulating this winter albeit the dominant one. |
In England, GPs order flu vaccines direct from manufacturers. | |
In Scotland, pharmacists order on behalf of GPs, but the government also gets in extra itself for a contingency pot. | |
Are you a GP? Have you been affected by the recent outbreak of flu? Send us your comments. | Are you a GP? Have you been affected by the recent outbreak of flu? Send us your comments. |