NHS say there are enough flu vaccinations after Mansfield residents have appointments cancelled

One such resident is Peter McPhalil, aged 69, who lives on Coopers Rise in Rainworth.

Despite being in the age group that is a priority to receive the vaccination, his appointment has been cancelled, and there is no word of when he can have the jab.

Mr McPhalil said: "I'm recovering from the flu and it's laid me low.

"We are encouraged to have the flu jab, you see it advertised, yet when I had an appointment, it was cancelled.

"It shouldn't be offered if we can't get it.

"The system is failing senior citizens, its frustrating.

"The doctors surgery at Rainworth have been fabulous, I can't complain about them at all, we just want to know what's going on."

However, NHS England, who are responsible for the vaccine, said that there are enough vaccines for everyone, and they are being rolled out across the country in phases.

The vaccine for people aged 65 years and over, adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine (aTIV), has previously been used in other countries but is new to the UK.

The NHS has been assured that there will be enough for our population, but have received deliveries in three phases rather than all at once.

This means GPs have been asked to vaccinate people over 75 and those in care homes with the first batch.

Tests have shown that this is highly effective for this age group which is why the NHS in England has chosen it.

However it was only licenced for use in the UK from late last year, and there is only one supplier, which means it has taken longer than usual to produce the amount we need.

A spokesperson for NHS England (North Midlands) said:

“Getting vaccinated is really important for staying healthy over winter. We would encourage people in the eligible groups to get protected. This is people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, young children, and people with long term health conditions.

“We want to reassure the public that there will be enough vaccines for everyone who needs one in these groups. GPs and pharmacists are receiving deliveries of the vaccine for over 65-year-olds in three phases this year, so more are coming during October and November.

“We ask people to keep in touch with their GP practice or pharmacist to see when they can be vaccinated.”