The Public Health Directorate announces that there is now a seasonal flu vaccine shortage on the Isle of Man. The situation last week was that the flu vaccine was available for use in the GP Practices and in most Pharmacies, and stocks were due on the Island. However, since the last update, the GP Practices have been extremely busy and have used the stocks that the Pharmacies had obtained. Immunisation activity in the UK has also been very busy which has meant that the Pharmacists are now reporting that they cannot get any seasonal flu vaccine from their usual sources or elsewhere. To help the situation, Dr Kishore, Director of Public Health in the Isle of Man released stocks of the H1N1 vaccine known as Pandemrix. The H1N1 vaccine is particularly useful for pregnant women. As we have now encountered such difficulties in obtaining the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine can be used in its place and will be offered to over 65 year olds and those aged 6 months to 64 years who have diseases which makes them more vulnerable to catching flu or whose condition may worsen if they get the infection. The H1N1 vaccine (over 3,000 doses available) matches the most widely-circulating strain of flu. The public can help the situation in the following ways: · If you do not have underlying health problems please do not request the flu vaccine. Flu in healthy people is not pleasant but is not usually life-threatening. · If you think you have flu, don’t leave home until you have been free of a fever for at least 24 hours; however, if you feel that you need medical attention, please phone your GP, MEDS, A&E or MIU at Ramsey District Cottage Hospital (RDCH) in the first instance – do not attend unless instructed to. · Everyone who has a cough or cold needs to cover their nose and mouth with a disposable tissue, dispose of the tissues promptly and wash and dry their hands thoroughly as soon as possible – ‘CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT’ - ENDS -