Solihull Member of Parliament queries flu jab shortage locally.

6.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Nov 2005

The flu virus. Lorely Burt MP has warned that this should not be confused with Avian Bird flu fears.

Solihull Member of Parliament Lorely Burt has today written to the Head of Solihull Primary Care Trust, to clarify whether there is a shortage of flu jabs locally.

"I have had a number of concerns raised at my Solihull Office on flu jab provision locally, along with the concerns that have been raised in the national media," explained Lorely. "I have therefore taken the decision to officially write to Rob Bacon, Chief Executive of Solihull Primary Care Trust, to clarify what the situation is here across Solihull."

"In particular, I am looking for answers to the following questions" added Lorely:

1) Is there any shortage of flu jab stocks across Doctors surgeries in Solihull?

2) Are flu jabs still being offered to the over 65s and all the other relevant in-risk groups, such as or are carers of elderly people and essential medical staff?

3) If local residents over 65 need a flu jab, where is the best place to get one locally?

"Flu probably costs the local Solihull economy between £1 to 2 million pounds a year, and causes anything up to 15 deaths in Solihull from Flu related complications" explains Mrs Burt. "If the Government can up to up to 10,000 lives across the country, then the Department of Health must sort flu vaccination out."

"Remember, I'm talking about ordinary flu, not bird flu" added Lorely. "This is about making sure we have a simple vaccine for a very common virus. Good medicine is about being preventative - the Department of Health must make sure that ordinary GP have the tools protect the general public."