CONSISTENT GIVING of flu vaccinations to asthmatics who depend on inhalers is needed to avoid a postcode lottery for the potentially life-saving jab, said a Dundee MSP.

Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee East, said she had been contacted by constituents who suffer from asthma but have been refused the vaccine this year despite having received it in previous years.

She has written to the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation to ask what the criteria are for receiving the vaccination.

“What does concern is if its left to GPs’ discretion then some people get and others don’t, which does seem to be unfair,” said Ms Robison.

Scottish Executive guidance issued to GPs states that asthmatics who use steroid medication to treat the condition should automatically receive the vaccine but it is left to the doctor’s discretion whether those using inhalers receive the flu immunisation.

A 45-year-old woman from Dundee, who has suffered from asthma from a young age, has received the vaccine annually but this year she has been refused the immunisation.

Her father said he believed the decision was a reflection of the shortage of the vaccination.

The woman was told by the practice if she returned at the end of the month they might be able to offer her the vaccination then.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Executive said the criteria for those eligible for the flu vaccine had not changed this year.

Earlier this month, the Executive denied there was a national shortage of the vaccine, claiming over 60% of supplies have been delivered to GP practices.

However, statistics provided by NHS Tayside showed the area has had far less stock delivered than the amount claimed nationally by the Executive, and it could be next month before orders finally arrive.