Flu vaccinations delayed as vaccine delivery remains uncertain

Influenza vaccinations for priority groups will be delayed by several days because of a late vaccine delivery, mbl.is reports. It is not yet known when health centres will receive the doses, but officials hope to begin vaccinating people in at-risk groups next week.

The Capital Area Health Care service had planned to start vaccinations on October 20, and health centres had begun booking appointments. Those bookings must now be postponed. People are asked to wait before booking through Heilsuvera, as the start date is still unknown.

Influenza cases are increasing but remain relatively few. Nineteen people tested positive last week. Nearly half were aged 65 or older; eight were aged 15 to 64 and three were under five.

Vaccinations will be opened to other groups after people considered at risk have been vaccinated. These groups include people aged 60 and older; children aged six months to five years; people with chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer or other conditions that suppress the immune system; pregnant women; health workers caring for at-risk people; and people whose work puts them at risk of exposure to both human and bird flu.

Children aged two to four will be offered a nasal spray vaccine from November 2 to 6. No appointment is needed: health centres will hold open sessions from 3pm to 5pm. The nasal spray has arrived, so these vaccinations are not delayed. Older siblings who are in an at-risk group can also receive the spray. The notice suggests parents stop by with their children on the way home from preschool, and says a teddy bear can get a spray too.