A SHORTAGE of swine flu vaccine has left patients ‘at risk’ without protection, anxious families have claimed.

Worried parents say their children have been waiting for more than a week after Runcorn’s Weaver Vale practice, beside Halton Hospital, has run out of immunisation.

They contacted The World after health chiefs last week denied there was a shortage of swine flu vaccine.

One young child who suffers from asthma has been turned away and put on a waiting list.

Elderly patients say they are concerned after being left without protection.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I am absolutely livid over it.

“It is a disgrace. We’ve been told to go home as they haven’t got any swine flu vaccination, yet health bosses told The World there was no problem.”

One mum, said: “I’m worried in case my child gets swine flu before he has his jab.”

A spokesman for NHS Halton, said: “We are concerned to hear of the difficulties being encountered by a number of patients in the Runcorn area.

“We are especially concerned for those in the ‘at risk’ group and we would ask them to contact our customer care unit on 0800 849 7088, which will assist them if required.

“All patients requiring flu vaccination, particularly those in the at risk groups. are strongly advised to seek medical help.

“We have been working extremely hard with our colleagues in primary care to maintain a steady supply of flu vaccine and have made significant progress during the last month in vaccinating all those patients who are particularly vulnerable.”

Have you or your family waiting for swine flu vaccine?

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