Flu vaccines for children at West Dunbartonshire schools have been revealed to be in short supply this year. This was following an enquiry by local MSP Jackie Baillie on behalf of a constituent who had experienced difficulty in their child receiving the vaccine.

West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership stated that the Chief Medical Officer had advised there was a delay receiving stock of the Flu vaccination, resulting in insufficient stock to see the vaccination programme through to completion. Consequently the Health & Social Care Partnership re-prioritised delivery of the vaccination programme locally.

Children at Gartocharn Primary School have been forced to travel 12 miles to the Napier Halls in Old Kilpartick to receive their flu vaccination and, in other areas, parents have been told to attend their GP surgeries, who are unable to provide the vaccine, so send them back to the schools.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“It’s disappointing that children and young families have been forced to travel miles just to receive the flu vaccination. While some families might be able to afford the travel, others cannot and it’s clear that no consideration was given to this.

“It is troubling that some children have yet to receive their vaccinations and it would appear that there is confusion between whether they can get this from the school or their GP surgery.

“The Health and Social Care Partnership must improve their communication with parents and GPs, and ensure that all children receive their vaccination for this winter season. A situation like this must never arise again, and arrangements must be made to guarantee that all children will receive their vaccinations on time in the future.”