LOCAL children under five will have to wait longer for their swine flu jab because of supply problems.

Stocks of the vaccine are being sent out across the country, but the centrally-managed system is failing Kirklees, according to its public health director.

Dr Judith Hooper, of NHS Kirklees, told a board meeting yesterday: “The major focus is on immunisation, but we are having immense problems with supply of the vaccine.

“The GPs are getting frustrated and we are getting frustrated with the system in place.

“We are not ready to immunise children under five. We are only focusing on the at-risk groups including pregnant women, patients with diabetes and heart disease and those with suppressed immune systems and frontline staff.

“Until we are happy they have coverage, we are not extending it.”

She said flu-like activity in Kirklees had dropped to the levels seen last August. The number of people collecting antiviral drugs is also down from around 110 a week to just 70.

Last week the Government announced it would immunise children under five and those with health problems.