Health chiefs working to solve flu jab issues 'within 10 days'

Health chiefs in the north-east say they expect issues with the flu vaccination programme to be resolved in the next 10 days.

More than 40,000 people in the over-65s and at-risk categories have already had their jab - but there have been complaints from others who have been unable to get appointments.

NHS Grampian says it is bringing in extra staff to answer calls and emails - with additional phonelines being put in place from tomorrow.

Adam Coldwells, the health board's deputy chief executive, said: "Work continued at pace over the weekend to resolve these issues and to deliver the vaccine.

"In the next 10 days we expect to be ahead in terms of getting letters delivered and people should be receiving these in good time. 

"Unfortunately it is likely in next few days some people may receive their letters either on the day or after their appointment. These people do not need to worry, they should call the helpline and we will book them back in."

The board says its helpline has been "inundated" with calls.

Mr Coldwells added: "We need people to be patient with us. Everyone will receive their appointment letter in the next three to four weeks.

"Please do not call the helpline if you haven’t received your letter. We will get to you. If you do need to call the helpline if you could leave it until later in the week that would be very helpful. 

"Please be reassured people who have missed their appointment will get another appointment. Anyone who has not received a letter, please don't worry, the flu programme runs for many weeks yet, the letters are send out in batches not all at the same time. 

“No one will miss out on their vaccine as a result of these issues –- that’s very important to remember. We’ve been up and running three weeks and we’ve vaccinated more than 30,000 over-65s.

"This figure doesn’t include children vaccinated at schools and health care staff. The teams on the ground, at the centres, are working incredibly hard to deliver the vaccine - and the feedback from patients who have received it, in this new way, has been overwhelmingly positive. 

"We’ve apologised for the issues and we’re working extremely hard to get back on track. It’s the first time we have delivered the vaccine like this and there have absolutely been teething issues and a learning curve. 

"We had logistical problems getting the vaccine to some venues and, again, that’s something we’re working to avoid a repeat of."

Further clinics will be held into mid-December to ensure everyone who is eligible is covered.

Pregnant women living in Aberdeenshire and Moray will be offered their flu vaccination from their community midwife. In Aberdeen women will be invited to attend a vaccination appointment at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital prior to their 12 and 20 weeks scans. The immunisation team will make direct contact with those women. 

Appointments are currently being issued for those aged between two and five.