Parents urged to consider flu jabs for children as stocks of nasal vaccine run out

'We’re dealing with quite a virulent strain of flu this year and it’s making people really, really sick,' said pharmacist Sheena Mitchell. Stock picture: imagesource

The HSE does not have any more children’s nasal spray flu vaccine, meaning that pharmacists cannot top up dwindling stocks amid a rise in Christmas flu levels.

Pharmacies have seen “a spike in demand” as families rush to protect themselves before Christmas.

HSE figures show that record numbers of children have been vaccinated.

Sheena Mitchell, pharmacist at Milltown totalhealth Pharmacy, said: “We’re dealing with quite a virulent strain of flu this year and it’s making people really, really sick.”

However, pharmacists who requested more nasal spray vaccines from the HSE medicine delivery service were turned away this week.

They were advised that the so-called Fluenz LAIV vaccine, mostly administered to children and teens, “is no longer available to order from the HSE national cold chain service”.

They were instead advised to offer two other vaccines.

These vaccines are only available as injections.

Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell, who owns  the totalhealth pharmacy in Milltown, Dublin. 

Ms Mitchell said: “We weren’t communicated with about an end-date or final delivery date. When we went to get it, we couldn’t.”

“I know a lot of pharmacies have already run out, and we all of a sudden have a spike in demand. Now pharmacists can’t get it.”

She advised parents to phone around as these children’s vaccines may still be in stock in some areas.

“We have about 100 doses left, so we’re opening on Sunday for an additional clinic because the demand is there,” she said.

She pointed out that predicting vaccine demand is “impossible”.

However, she questioned why many parents had letters from the HSE this week about the nasal spray vaccine, but it appears the HSE “didn’t engage with the national cold chain service to ask them what stock they have.”

A HSE spokesman confirmed:

All of the available LAIV supply has now been distributed by the HSE and it remains available in many pharmacies and GP. 

He said uptake in children aged from 2 to 17 years “is the highest it has ever been in December, at 21%”.

An alternative injectable vaccine for children is “safe and effective”, he said.

He advised parents to discuss options with GPs or pharmacies.

Anyone having difficulty getting a vaccine can also contact HSElive on 1800 700700.