In an email to pharmacies and GP practices today (September 17), the manufacturer wrote that its updated delivery plans will ensure that providers will receive their orders “no more than one week after the original delivery date(s)”.

Earlier this month, the QIVc and aQIV flu vaccine manufacturer warned GPs and pharmacies in England and Wales of a “one-to-two-week delay of scheduled vaccine delivery”, but some pharmacies told C+D at the time that their flu services were not too badly impacted by the delays.

A Seqirus spokesperson told C+D today that the company has since “listened to our customers’ feedback” and “remodelled our delivery plan to enable all GPs and pharmacies to receive the majority of their ordered doses within one week of their original order”. 

 

Updated delivery plans

 

The spokesperson specified that the new delivery plan will commence “from early next week and continue through September, October and November”.

“Over 85% of our total supply of vaccines for the UK this season will be delivered by the end of October. The remaining doses will be delivered in November,” they added.

Seqirus will start delivering partial flu vaccine orders as follows:

• aQUIV (Fluad Tetra) orders will be fulfilled to 90% of the scheduled volume
• QUIVc (FLUCELVAX Tetra) orders will be fulfilled to 70% of the scheduled volume

Providers should expect a delivery note seven days before their order is shipped, “confirming volumes and named delivery date”, according to the manufacturer.

The remaining aQUIV and QUIVc stock will be delivered from mid-October to early November, Seqirus added.

“We trust that this remodelled delivery plan provides you with greater certainty for planning your clinics and thank you for your patience as we get back on track to enable you to provide protection for your patients this flu season,” the manufacturer wrote.

It added that providers should not book any clinics until they have received the delivery note.

 

Pharmacists concerned

 

Pete Horrocks, superintendent pharmacist at Knights Pharmacy, told C+D today that he does not foresee any “immediate problem for next week” – although he expressed concerns for his October clinics.

Saghir Ahmed, superintendent pharmacist at Imaan Healthcare, told C+D that some people could attend their flu jab clinic, but other clinics had to be postponed “due to a lack of supply”.

Mr Ahmed said the independent chain has received about 40% of its ordered stock and is waiting for the remainder to come in early October.

“It’s a blip for this year. I don’t have all the reasons from them but there’s no denying that logistical issues have played a part due to fewer drivers and the impact of Brexit,” Mr Ahmed added.