Jess Brown-Fuller calls on the Government to implement emergency measures to get vaccines to rural and coastal areas

MP for Chichester, Jess Brown-Fuller, raised concerns regarding cancelled vaccine appointments during a statement on NHS winter preparedness in Parliament this week. She highlighted the challenges faced by GPs and community pharmacies in planning vaccine provision, noting that many have been required to place vaccine orders up to a year in advance.

The NHS is currently facing a particularly severe flu season, with cases emerging earlier than usual and new strains becoming dominant. Jess raised concerns from constituents, in particular one who had written to her saying their vaccine appointment had been cancelled three times.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, responded that his department would look into the cases raised by Jess to resolve situations where there may be shortages.

Jess raising constituents concerns about vaccine shortages in the House of Commons

Afterwards, Jess said:

“This has been a horrid flu season for many, and it has been disappointing to hear of vaccine shortages leading to cancelled appointments. I’ve heard from some pharmacists that the problem seemingly is how far ahead of time they have to order vaccines, leading to a lack of flexibility when a crisis hits.

It was pleasing that Wes offered to look into shortages and support efforts to avoid them in the future. We in the Liberal Democrats have called for emergency measures not only to address vaccine shortages but to increase take-up, reducing pressures on the NHS, particularly on full hospital beds.”