A shortage of flu vaccinations available from pharmacies during the first half of October is being slowly resolved, says the head of the SPL Luxembourg pharmacies union Alain de Bourcy.

Speaking on Radio 100,7 on Tuesday morning, de Bourcy said that the shortage stemmed from pharmacies relying on one Belgian supplier, who informed them at the end of August that just 65% of the medication that had been ordered could actually be delivered to Luxembourg. The health ministry said that certain pharmacies had placed their orders for the vaccinations later than usual.

The SPL worked with the pharmacy division of the health ministry to find two other suppliers, de Bourcy explained. “But those two brands didn’t exactly deliver as quickly or in the quantities that had been hoped for. One brand still hasn’t delivered all its orders, which led to the shortages.”

However, the situation is returning to normal, and 100,7 reports that by the end of November everyone who wanted to receive the flu shot will have been inoculated.  But de Bourcy admits that perhaps next year pharmacies will have to place their orders a little earlier to ensure supplies are delivered in time for the flu season.