A SHORTAGE of vaccines used to combat a series of deadly diseases is sweeping across doctors' surgeries in East Lancashire, according to health chiefs.

A national shortage of medicines has been highlighted by the British Medical Association and experts say the problem is affecting East Lancashire.

At a time when cases of tuberculosis are rising, the vaccine used to treat it is in short supply in East Lancashire.

Doctors are also having problems getting hold of the BCG vaccine which is used to protect people against the deadly virus meningitis.

And doctors are particularly concerned about the shortage of BCG as students return to college.

Many colleges and universities are being forced to think again about plans to carry out mass immunisations at campuses. Experts have also recommended all students are vaccinated against meningitis following several recent outbreaks of the disease.

However GPs say there is a plentiful supply of childhood vaccines in East Lancashire but only because there has been a fall in demand.

Recent stories of the potential side effects of drugs like the MMR vaccines have seen a fall in the demand for the vaccine.

A spokesman for East Lancashire Health Authority said: "It seems there has been a problem with the suppliers and doctors across East Lancashire have complained of shortages of vaccines.

"We have been told there has been a national problem and can only hope something is done to address the situation as soon as possible."

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