More flu vaccines arrive in Welshpool

Welshpool Medical Centre has taken delivery of more flu vaccines as the town battles the escalating virus.

 

The Centre distributed a record 2,000 vaccines prior to Christmas but the terrible weather and holidays made it difficult to obtain more supplies. More arrived on December 30 but were snapped up quickly by residents who had requested one over the Festive Period.

 

It sparked some concern amongst local residents who feared they would miss out, but the doctors yesterday took delivery of more in a bid to stay on top of the problem.

 

“We took delivery yesterday of enough vaccine to immunise everybody who has contacted us and requested it,” said Dr Michael Lewis. “We are in the process of contacting these people to arrange an appointment before the end of this week.

 

“As far as the stocks that came in before the New Year - we obtained enough vaccine to immunise everybody who had been in touch by December 30. We held a list of these, but have had difficulty contacting some of them.”

 

Dr Lewis has requested that residents who have already asked for immunisation or have been told they are on the waiting list to get in touch.

 

The unprecedented demand has forced the Centre to order even more vaccines which should arrive on Friday.

 

“If anyone in the ‘at-risk’ groups would like the vaccine, they should contact Christine Brown on 01938 553118. After our Friday delivery, we do not expect further supplies. Because of the limited supplies we really have to restrict use to those who are in the designated at-risk groups. There is a country-wide problem with sourcing seasonal influenza vaccine.”

 

Dr. Lewis pointed out that the vaccination programme started in October and the injection takes about three weeks to provide a full response. It means that people who have left immunisation until there is an outbreak in the area may not get protection before they’re exposed to the infection.