'Just two weeks after I highlighted the need for Suffolk's elderly to have adequate access to the vaccination the Government's Head of Immunisation now tells us there is a shortage of the jabs. This is simply unacceptable."

David Ruffley MP has today expressed his alarm that at this crucial stage in the flu vaccination period the Department of Health's Head of Immunisation to England's GPs has confirmed that stocks of the annual flu jab are running out.

Just two weeks ago David Ruffley voiced his concern at Suffolk West PCT's rate of flu vaccinations among the over 65 population and wrote to Mike Stonard, Chief Executive of Suffolk West PCT, asking for assurances that everything was being done to ensure the elderly in Suffolk had access to the flu jab.

David said:

'As we approach the winter flu season it is of the utmost importance that our over 65 population has access to the flu jab.

'Just two weeks after I highlighted the need for Suffolk's elderly to have adequate access to the vaccination the Government's Head of Immunisation now tells us there is a shortage of the jabs. This is simply unacceptable.

'The Office for National Statistics figures show that the rate of winter deaths in 2004/05 was the highest for five years and it amazes me that in the light of these figures the Government failed to ensure that stocks of the vaccination were reserved for at-risk groups rather than being used on the 'worried well'.'