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Children's flu jab pilot temporarily halted

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Children's flu jab pilot temporarily halted

Public Health England is temporarily pausing the whole-school children's flu vaccination pilot programme because of a supply issue with the nasal spray vaccine.

The programme was being trialled in primary schools in six areas across the country, but because some of AstraZeneca's vaccine dit not meet strict licensing specifications, it will not be used. The programme is expected to be reinstated as soon as testing of a new supply has taken place.

Professor Paul Cosford, medical director at Public Health England, said: “We are proud to have the most extensive public flu vaccination programme in Europe including children. This year, children aged between two and six will be offered a nasal spray vaccine. We have significant vaccine stocks to do so, and healthcare providers will be able to order doses in the normal way from this evening. As with all of our vaccination programmes, we are using an established contingency plan and AstraZeneca are currently putting an alternative supply of the same vaccine from the US through European testing. Providing they meet the standards, these batches will be made available in the coming weeks.”






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