CHEMISTS RUN OUT OF FLU VACCINES

By Humphrey Carter PARTS of the Balearics yesterday ran out of the anti-flu vaccine. No sooner had environmental agents started catching birds for testing for bird flu, it was announced that the main storage centre for chemists in Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera had run out of anti-flu vaccines. President of the Co-operative of Chemists for the three islands, Eladio González, said yesterday that while some chemists still had anti-flu vaccines, stocks are dwindling fast and such is the demand on the laboratories that it may take a while for Balearics orders for more vaccine to be met, if at all. Eladio González, who represents some 400 chemists across the region, said that the main reason for this year's run on flu vaccine is not so much public concern over bird flu, merely that the laboratories sent nearly 50 per cent less vaccines to the Balearics this year. “As regards to bird flu, there is no need for alarm as the situation is very much under control,” he said. “The main problem is that the laboratories have given hospitals and medical centres priority this year.” What is more, a greater number of people from the non-risk groups, the young, elderly and infirm, have got vaccinated this year and that has put an extra strain on the limited anti-flu vaccine reserves. During the first week of the flu vaccine campaign, which kicked off on October 13, 41'000 people were vaccinated in Majorca alone, while 6'500 vaccines were administered in Ibiza and Formentera and a further 3'500 in Minorca. The Ib-Salud Balearic health service does however have thousands of vaccines but these are primarily for the over 65s and are administered by the health service as opposed to those bought from the chemist. Environmental agents yesterday started catching examples of migratory birds which pass through the Balearics to test them for the bird flu virus. The main targets are the region's marshes and wetlands and yesterday work started in Felanitx and Alaro. In accordance with European Union bird flu guidelines, as the campaign develops over the next few days, certain species of aquatic birds are also going to be caught and tested. Balearic deputy leader Rosa Estaras gave assurances yesterday that “everything is being done to not only keep the situation under control but to also ensure that the public are informed of all the latest developments and new cases in neighbouring European countries.” She said that the local authorities are getting prepared for a possible pandemic of bird flu, adding that last Friday a special “prevention and information” commission was set up by the Balearic government.