Flu jabs shortage in region

Flu vaccines are running out in the Black Country and Staffordshire as Britain heads towards a national crisis, it was revealed today.

Surgeries are frantically trying to get fresh deliveries of the vaccine but many have no idea when they will arrive.

Gravel Hill Surgery, in Wombourne, South Staffordshire, ran out of its supply before Christmas.

Practice manager Christine Davis said today she had been able to get a small number of vaccines from a local pharmacy but she could not get through to the regular supplier. She blamed the government for the shortage saying: "In their infinite wisdom they decided to do a big publicity campaign over the Christmas and New Year period when the stock was low.

"I can't get through to suppliers - there is just an automated message so we have got to wait. We don't know at the moment when we will get a delivery."

Newbridge Surgery, in Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, has also run out but has ordered more and is waiting for a delivery.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has now issued an urgent appeal to vaccine manufacturers to get extra doses to the UK as soon as possible.

Shadow Health Secretary John Healey said: "This action is better late than never but will only add to the confusion."

So far, 39 people have died since the start of this season's outbreak in October.

By Health Reporter Shaun Lintern