Dosage of “tens of thousands” children’s flu vaccine expires in January

There is growing concern that children’s vaccine intake will be low this year, and the GP warns that tens of thousands of unused vaccines will expire next month.

Both HSE and GP emphasize the importance of ensuring that children are vaccinated against the flu. For the first time this year, the flu vaccine will be offered as a nasal vaccine to children aged 2-12 in Ireland.

Some GPs have warned that tens of thousands of these nasal vaccines will expire next month and become useless.

Dr. MaitiuÓ Tuathail, former president of the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP), said vaccine intake has been low among children since the vaccine became available in recent months.

Children aged 2 to 12 will get the flu vaccine for free this winter. It is given as a nasal spray and is safe and effective. https://t.co/Q844brCRnK pic.twitter.com/RvtK45hUyS

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) November 29, 2020

“This is the first year we have been able to provide the flu vaccine to children between the ages of 2 and 12,” he explained.

“It’s a shame to see such a low uptake rate, which is currently around 20%.

“To make matters worse, these vaccines expire in January and need to be discarded. This is tragic,” he added.

Dr. Ó Tuathail emphasized the importance of vaccination of children, especially in the current pandemic.

Above all, it is important that we all get the flu vaccine this year. “

An HSE spokesperson confirmed that the first batch of nasal flu vaccine will expire next month, emphasizing the importance of parents to ensure that their children receive the vaccine.

HSE raised 600,000 doses of the nasal influenza vaccine (LAIV) this year, of which 460,000 were distributed.

The flu affects children who read the story of Alarin.
this year @roinnslainte Expanded vaccination policy to include children ages 2-12.
Nasal flu vaccine is available free of charge through participating general practitioners and pharmacies (check locally)https://t.co/BEoseH0wMv #KeepVaccinating pic.twitter.com/xtJvRhNcpf

— HSE National Vaccination Bureau (NIO) (@ HSEImm) December 3, 2020

“We have received at least 180,000 children’s vaccines so far,” a HSE spokeswoman said, adding that there may be a time lag between vaccination and claim filing.

“Therefore, with over 460,000 distributed, uptake can be higher than this,” they said.

“Further uptake will be available later in the season.

The first batch of nasal flu vaccine will expire in mid-January. Therefore, it is important for parents to come out now to vaccinate their children through participating GP practices and pharmacies. ”

HSE said it worked with stakeholders to create a communication campaign to support the new nasal flu vaccine program.

The campaign will distribute factual information about the vaccine to television, radio and other media platforms and will continue until the end of 2020.

The HSE also states that there is no evidence that the influenza virus is currently prevalent in the Irish community in recent reports, and that vaccination and Covid-19 control are important to continue this.

The nasal flu vaccine for children was introduced for the first time in Ireland this year for free for children aged 2-12. Due to lower-than-expected intakes, the government is being asked to extend its eligibility to 13-17 years of age as excess vaccine expires in January. But there is no change yet. https://t.co/xMuFWKdhD7

— Priscilla Lynch (@PriscillaLynch) December 3, 2020

A spokeswoman said that if the demand for children and endangered groups remains at the levels seen in the last few weeks, twice as many people as the 2019/20 vaccination season could be vaccinated this year. Said.

This helps limit the spread of influenza in the community and the impact of influenza on healthcare services.

“In addition, infection control precautions that the general public is required to follow to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will also prevent the spread of influenza,” they added.

“Observing social distance, practicing good respiratory / hand hygiene, wearing a facial cover, and staying at home if symptoms also prevent the spread of the flu.”