HIGH priority patients needing flu jabs will have to wait almost a month because of delays in delivery of the vaccines. Some people in the 'at risk' groups will now have to wait until the end of November for their vaccines after a hospital's supplier delayed a batch of 800 jabs. People aged 65 and older or with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes are being urged to get immunised before winter sets in. But at Liskeard's new Oak Tree Surgery, one pensioner had her appointment put back by three weeks as a result of the delayed vaccines. 'I had a letter through the post saying that I would have to make another appointment,' said the pensioner, who asked not to be named. 'I wasbooked in for October 31 but now I won't go back until November 22. 'I think winter would be half over by then.

Disappointed 'I know the hospital can't help it but I must admit I was disappointed especially when you consider it is always being advertised to get your flu jabs done.' Another disappointed patient also had his appointment put back. 'I am a chronic asthmatic and booked in for early November, but I had a letter saying I had to make another appointment,' said the man, who will now have his jab on November 29. 'I was lucky, I was one of the last to get an appointment.' Oak Tree Surgery ordered 2,400 vaccines to cover the at risk groups, and received their first batch of 800 on October 14. But it is due to run out by the end of this week. Their next delivery will arrive at the end of next week but appointments have already had to be put back. 'There is no shortage,' said practice manager Romayne Sichel, 'Just a change in the delivery time. 'There shouldn't be any panic from people, we can set up a huge clinic to see hundreds of people in an afternoon.'

Vaccinated Saltash Health Centre also had their deliveries delayed. 'There was a slight delay of about two weeks,' said Lynn Chenery, practice manager, 'But there weren't any cancellations.' With most of their 'at risk' group vaccinated or due to be vaccinated inquiries have started coming in from other people. But the surgery's vaccine supplier has said it is unlikely that these patients will get their jabs until next year. Pensilva Health Centre has managed to cover the at risk group without delay. Manager Catherine Pickstone said: 'We were quite lucky, we ordered early and had no idea of what would happen. 'I think there is a shortage, perhaps, but we try to provide everything we can for patients. It's just that sometimes things happen out of our control.' A statement from the North and East Cornwall Primary Care Trust said: 'The matter with suppliers is in hand and we are dealing with it currently.'