HUDDERSFIELD patients could find their flu vaccines delayed - because of an international hold-up.
Health authorities across the country could face a three-week wait to find out which brand of flu vaccine to use this winter, it emerged today.
The decision - by the World Health Organisation - is expected to be made within the next three weeks.
At present no flu vaccine can be given in Huddersfield because supplies are so low.
Mike Hughes, assistant director of public health for Huddersfield Central and South Huddersfield primary care trusts, said: "There has been a slight delay of flu vaccine internationally because they need to make sure we get the best vaccine for the sort of flu heading our way this season.
"The delay will only be for a couple of weeks and, at the moment, there is no flu circulating in the population."
His comments come after 30,000 Huddersfield people were vaccinated against flu last year.
He added: "There should be no concern and there is no suggestion that there will be the supply problems we had last year.
"It just means that those GP practices that start vaccinating early won't be able to do so."
But he encouraged people over 65 and those with chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes to approach their practices to find out about vaccinations against flu and pneumonia.
He added: "Anyone over 65 or who has a problem which suppresses their immune system are most at risk.
"We make it available for those people. People should talk to their GPs."
