Patricia Hewitt today ordered an urgent shake-up of the way flu vaccine is ordered after the government revealed a national shortage that may put lives at risk.

The Health Secretary admitted that a scramble for jabs by the 'worried well' following fears of a pandemic of bird flu had contributed to the crisis.

Ms Hewitt made an emergency statement to the Commons this afternoon, revealing that the Department of Health (DoH) had secured an extra 200,000 doses of the drug, due to be delivered in late January, despite intense demand around the world.

However, she urged GPs to ration their remaining stocks only to those "who will really benefit" - the over 65s and groups with medical conditions which make them more vulnerable to the effects of flu.

Ms Hewitt was criticised in the Commons for laying blame for the shortage at the door of GPs for failing to predict the unprecedented demand. The shortage was only admitted last night, less than a month after ministers assured the public that it had enough supplies.

"The current problems may be due to a combination of factors, such as under-ordering of vaccine on the one hand, and possibly vaccination of the ‘worried well’ on the other," she said.

"Awareness may also be higher this year due in part to the very high level of media interest in the threat of avian flu in birds and of pandemic flu.

"We do not expect seasonal flu vaccine to protect against avian influenza or against pandemic influenza. But it is important to remember that seasonal flu vaccine is important for those aged 65 and over and the clinical risk groups..."

Ms Hewitt said the DoH was releasing vaccine from its contingency stocks and had secured an additional 200,000 doses. Officials were discussing with manufacturers if additional supplies could be made available.

The unprecedented demand for jabs is blamed on the fears of avian flu developing into a new pandemic that could claim tens of thousands of lives. Although the vaccine offers no protection against such a pandemic strain, the intensive publicity has driven more people than usual to seek jabs against seasonal flu.

The suspicion is that doctors may have used up the vaccine treating the "worried well" and that as a result the over-65s and other high-risk groups may find that they are denied it.

GPs themselves are responsible for ordering flu vaccine and are only reimbursed by the Government for the actual vaccines given. The orders must be made around eight months in advance and GPs have to pay for any remaining stock, encouraging them not to over-order. It is this arrangement which Ms Hewitt has questioned.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• An officer and a gentle woman
• Dame Helen Mirren is worthy of the Epidaurus
• Foods that can help to prevent swine flu