Health Minister must answer questions over seasonal ‘flu vaccine

Welsh Conservatives have expressed concern after it was revealed that emails to the Health Minister relating to availability of the seasonal ‘flu vaccine for under-65s have gone unanswered.

In the emails from Russell George MS – dated November 3 and December 1, with a follow-up today (December 15) – is asked:

[An issue has been] raised with me regarding the GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) portal which allows GP’s to order additional flu injections. The portal was due to open on 19 October 2020 to allow GP’s to order additional supplies of the under 65’s flu injection.

I understand due to technical issues the portal it is still not available to Welsh GP Practices.

Can you please advise on what the technical issues are, as I understand the portal is open to English GP Practices and additionally when will the GSK portal be open to Welsh GP Practices to order additional supplies of the under 65’s flu injection.

Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies reacted, saying:

“We in the Senedd sometimes speak of it being a ‘courtesy’ to respond to communications, but this goes far beyond politeness, in fact it’s absolutely outrageous that the Health Minister has not responded to my colleague, Russell, over this potentially life-saving matter.

“Technical problems exist with software and ordering systems, we all accept that, but this isn’t ordering something off Amazon in time for Christmas.

“This is Welsh GPs and by extension people in Wales seemingly being at the back of the queue with – as it looks – no action from the Health Minister since the portal was due to open two months ago over availability of additional supplies of the seasonal ‘flu vaccine.

“People are probably more concerned about their health and about vaccines now than ever, and so the Health Minister must make public immediately just what is happening over this issue.”

Welsh Conservatives raised the matter of seasonal ‘flu vaccinations in August.