Mistake sees GPs blocked from ordering flu vaccines

File photo / Natalie Slade

Up to 20 general practices have been blocked from ordering flu vaccines after a communications botch-up.

The National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) last week urged general practices to begin placing seasonal flu vaccine orders but failed to inform them that a different order form was needed this year, leading to between 10 to 20 practices being turned away by the vaccine's distributor, New Zealand Doctor reported.

The new order form, which requires practices to place orders by age group, was to be made available in an information kit to be distributed from mid-February.

Papakura Family Medicine Clinic practice nurse Jill Choy said she was surprised when she was told to wait for the kit before she could order.

"Every other year we haven't had our packs but we've been allowed to order," she said.

The practice liked to place orders early because patients began inquiring about the vaccine about mid-February, she said.

NISG chair Michelle Kapinga said the lack of information in its media release last week was an oversight, but only a small number of practices had been affected.

The new order form was available now on the NISG website and a copy had been sent to vaccine distributor Health Care Logistics, she said.

- NZPA