SHORTAGES of the seasonal flu vaccine have been reported in East Lancashire following a surge in demand.

Health chiefs told the Lancashire Telegraph on Thursday they had 'no concerns' about the availability of the vaccine, which this year also protects against swine flu.

But it has now emerged that some GP practices and chemists have been running out since Thursday.

And health bosses said that some of its practices have started offering the old H1N1 swine flu vaccine on its own, while ordering additional supplies to plug the gap.

This will only protect people against swine flu, not the seasonal variety.

The Lancashire Telegraph conducted a survey of large pharmacies over the weekend and found stocks were very low.

Accrington Victoria Health Access Centre, Accrington Pharmacy, Asdas in Colne, Rawtenstall and Burnley, the Sainsbury's in Colne, Boots in Bacup, Accrington Tesco and Co-Op Pharmacy in Longridge all said they were out of stock.

The only one of 12 sites The Telegraph spoke to which had stock was Baxenden Pharmacy, but staff said the 'around 10' that were left were due to be sent to GPs' surgeries.

Many of the pharmacies said supplies had been taken and handed to GP surgeries, but that doctors had been told to only give the vaccine to at risk groups.

Dr Gifford Kerr, NHS Blackburn with Darwen's consultant in public health, said: “Last week our GP practices reported having sufficient vaccine supplies to meet the demand they were experiencing at the time.

“However, things have moved quickly and there has been a surge in demand for flu vaccine in the last couple of days.

“The Department of Health has now advised that any practices with insufficient seasonal flu vaccine can now offer the H1N1(swine flu) vaccine and a few of our practices are gearing up to do so.

“There is plenty of stock of the H1N1 vaccine available nationally and we will be able to order additional supplies for any GP practices that need it from early next week.”

It is understood the last count was taken on Tuesday, and no practices have reported being completely out of stock.

A new check will be taken today to ensure the trust remains on target to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of all patients aged 65 and over and 50 per cent of those aged under 65 with a clinical ‘at risk’ condition.

NHS East Lancashire, which covers Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, said it was reviewing supplies over the weekend.