Flu Update - 11/01/2011

Whilst some customers may at any given point in time face difficulties obtaining Tamiflu and Relenza, the national situation overall is that AAH and Alliance have, and should continue to have, sufficient stocks of Tamiflu and Relenza to meet customer demand (unless demand surges unexpectedly).

Along with the wholesalers Alliance and Phoenix, AAH is working with the Department of Health in England to ensure there are sufficient supplies of oseltamivir oral solution available from 10 January to meet demand without the need to restrict orders from our customers. We are also in touch with the Health Departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland concerning the situation in those countries.

The DH anticipates that the amount of this product released to wholesalers should be sufficient to meet the needs of patients until the end of January when the supply of the licensed suspension should resume from the manufacturer.

AAH has been in continuous dialogue with manufacturers and the Department of Health about current and future potential demand for flu vaccines. AAH can confirm that existing stocks of flu vaccines have been exhausted and it is highly unlikely we will have further supplies available for customers. We will continue to monitor the stock situation and will inform customers of any further developments.

We have been informed by the Department of Health in England that they are aware of some reports of supply issues in some areas. The Department is working with the NHS at the local level to ensure available supplies of surplus vaccine are moved to where there is a need for them.

Customers are reminded that the advice from the Health Departments is to only order the amount required to meet actual patient needs.

Additional information
CMO flu letter 6 Jan 2011.pdf
Seasonal Influenza - antiviral letter Jan 2011.pdf