A letter from the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer outlining the influenza immunisation programme for 2005/06 has been published. Copies can be obtained from the Department of Health (DH) website at:
<http://www.dh.gov.uk/Aboutus/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/CMOPublications/CMOLetters/fs/en>.

Two new groups have been added to the national programme of those recommended to receive flu vaccine this year. These are people with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, and people who are the main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

The other groups are all those aged 65 years or over, and those aged 6 months or more in the following clinical risk groups: chronic respiratory disease including asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, diabetes, or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment. People living in long-stay residential care homes are also recommended to receive vaccine as are NHS employees directly involved in patient care.

the HPA Centre for Infection will again carry out rapid monitoring of vaccine uptake among the risk groups on behalf of the Department of Health (DH). Data reporting is via a web based system introduced last year and will be carried out between the months of October and January.

Vaccine supplies
The DH is aware that some vaccine suppliers have delayed delivery dates, some by as much as two to four weeks. Affected practices may therefore be unable to offer vaccine during October. No shortages of vaccine are expected, however, and all practices should receive sufficient vaccine to complete their immunisation programme within the timeframe recommended, but because of the delays, vaccine uptake monitoring will be extended to include vaccines given in January 2006.

Any queries regarding vaccine supplies or the flu programme should be made by emial to <Jeff.Porter@dh.gsi.gov.uk>, or telephone: 020 7972 1656.