Charity encourages older people to get flu vaccine ahead of Brexit deadline

Scotland’s national charity for older people, Age Scotland, warns that leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October will likely threaten the flu vaccine supply.

The charity is concerned that shortages of medication and qualified health and care staff could have a serious impact on Scotland’s oldest and most vulnerable people. In particular, it’s vital that there is no disruption to the supply and availability of the flu vaccination programme. Age Scotland is encouraging over 65s to get the flu jab without delay and before 31 October.

Doctors and NHS leaders have warned that a no-deal Brexit would make it "likely" there will be a delay in flu vaccine supply this year. The jabs cannot be stockpiled ahead of time as they must be kept refrigerated or in special cold boxes, so storage is a real issue. One of the main suppliers, Sanofi, has reported delays due to a manufacturing problem in France. The delays will be one or two weeks and affects 40% of its first phase of deliveries. There is also the risk that the cost of supply might go up if there are no trade and tariff agreements in place.

Age Scotland has published a report detailing ten questions that the UK Government needs to answer on the impact of Brexit on older people in Scotland.

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“We have serious concerns about the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s older and most vulnerable people.

“It’s really important that older people get the life-saving flu vaccine as we head into winter, particularly if they have underlying health conditions which could be exacerbated if they were to contract the flu. It’s quick, safe and prevents hundreds of deaths and thousands of GP and hospital hours each year and Brexit shouldn’t be a barrier.

“We need urgent reassurances that anyone who depends on a particular medicine will still be able to access it or a suitable alternative, and these will be fairly distributed to those who need them most. Age Scotland has tried repeatedly to meet with the Secretary of State for Scotland but have only heard radio silence.

“Any delay in giving vulnerable patients this vaccination at the start of flu season is wholly unacceptable. Ultimately, this could lead to hospitals being overwhelmed and an increased risk of avoidable excess deaths if there were to be a heavy outbreak of flu this winter.”