Family doctors in the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe are postponing this autumn's flu vaccination campaign by one month, according to DVHN. The delay affects patients who normally receive the shot through their general practice at the start of the season.
The reason is a delayed supply of the vaccine, DVHN reports. The same delivery problem has pushed back flu shot appointments in Akkrum-Nes, a village in Friesland, according to Akkrum.net.
The postponement comes amid a broader shortage of flu vaccine in the Netherlands. Tubantia reports that a stopgap measure has been introduced under which vulnerable patients are given priority for the limited doses available.
Patients have responded to the news with uncertainty, De Limburger reports. However, the outlet adds that doctors see no medical problem with giving the shot later than usual.
Dutch health authorities generally time the annual flu campaign to the autumn months, when respiratory infections begin to circulate more widely. The vaccination round is aimed chiefly at older adults and people with underlying conditions, who face a higher risk of serious illness.
The delay in the northern provinces is the latest sign that this year's campaign is not running to its usual schedule. It is not yet clear whether the affected practices will catch up within the season or whether further changes to the rollout are planned.
What to watch next: whether the delayed deliveries reach Groningen and Drenthe practices in time to complete the campaign, and whether other regions report similar hold-ups.
