THE Department of Health has said it has secured a small supply of seasonal flu vaccine today (Friday).

Yesterday the department announced there was a shortage of the vaccine in the Island.

The Public Health Directorate is working with GPs to identify how best to use the small supply.

A statement from the department said: "The Department of Health will continue to explore if further supplies can be obtained, however this is far from certain at present.

"Last week the Department of Health released over 3,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine, Pandemrix.

"This offers protection against H1N1 flu, which is the cause of most cases of serious infection and deaths in the UK. 

"The vaccine is particularly useful in pregnant women since their added risk is confined to the H1N1 virus; the Pandemrix vaccine also offers protection to the newborn.

"Members of the public are again advised that if they do not belong to the 'at risk' groups, they should not get vaccinated at a time when we need to conserve the small supply of vaccine to protect those who are at greatest risk."

Also see Flu vaccine shortage in the Island