In response to a global spike in demand, the government has announced restrictions on the export of supplies of flu vaccines to protect supplies for UK patients.
The restrictions, which will apply to the flu vaccines being used in the UK this winter, will stop the exporting of medicines placed on the market to be used in the UK, which could cause future supply issues.
There is sufficient national supply of flu vaccine, with deliveries to providers continuing over the coming months.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DH) has taken this action in response to high demand for the flu vaccine from other countries to mitigate against the risk of these products being exported.
“This action will protect our supply of flu vaccinations, as part of our plans to give 30 million the flu vaccine ahead of this unprecedented winter,” said health secretary Matt Hancock.
“The NHS flu vaccination programme is well underway and it’s vital that if you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine you get one from your GP or pharmacy.”
