Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Health Minister to ensure there are sufficient flu and pneumonia vaccines this year, after being contacted by people in Conwy and Denbighshire who are struggling to access appointments.  

Speaking in the Welsh Parliament, Darren welcomed the Health Minister’s statement that there has been an increase in demand for the vaccines, but said it is “completely unacceptable” that people in Clwyd West are having to wait a month or longer for an appointment with their GPs for the vaccines.  

He said:  

“The increase in demand for vaccines, is very, very welcome, as is the extension of the eligibility criteria, but, unfortunately, I've have people in my constituency who have been told they cannot schedule a flu jab appointment with their GPs until a month hence, which is clearly completely unacceptable, particularly for those in those vulnerable categories.

“And it's not just the flu vaccine that some people need to access; there's also the vaccine to protect vulnerable people against pneumonia, and I'm aware that there are shortages of that vaccine across Wales too.

“What action are you taking to make sure that there is sufficient capacity within the system to be able to meet the request for vaccination from all those who need it?”

The Health Minister said he his aware of some challenges in supply and insisted that they are “short-term matters”,

He added: “I would say that if there are real challenges in the supply, as opposed to a staggering of the supply, because the two are different, as ever we'll continue to work on this issue in a constructive way across the UK.”

Speaking afterwards, Darren added:

“I really hope the Minister is right and that this is a short-term issue which will soon be rectified. With winter almost upon us and the pandemic to deal with, it is more important than ever that people get access to the vaccines they need.”