HSC looks to import flu vaccines before Brexit date

In the UK doctors and NHS leaders have warned that if there is a no-deal Brexit, then there could be delays to the flu vaccine supply this year. This was due to a delay in deciding which flu strains to focus on, which meant that 20% of all vaccines could be imported after 31 October.

Some local vaccines are also expected to arrive after Brexit, but that could change.

An HSC spokesperson said the island was well prepared for the coming winter flu season and Brexit was not expected to have a significant impact on the vaccines.

‘The vast majority of flu vaccines are expected to arrive before the current Brexit date of October 31,’ they said.

‘Around 15,000 doses will arrive in the coming weeks, in various forms, which will cater for different groups in the community, including over 65s and those considered to be at high risk. Currently, less than a tenth of the total flu vaccine doses we are due to receive are scheduled to arrive after October 31 but the Committee for Health & Social Care is in discussions to bring this forward.’

The spokesperson said these plans were one example of the many ways in which the States of Guernsey has been working closely with other agencies and suppliers to ensure Guernsey is as prepared as possible for any potential consequences of a no-deal Brexit.

Each year different strains of flu used in vaccines.

The World Health Organization normally decides which strains to use in February, ready for the following winter. But this year the final decision was not made until late March and this delayed the production of this winter’s flu vaccines. There have been warnings that some UK flu vaccines will not be ready until late November.