The Scottish Executive said the vaccine delay should be a short-term one

Chiron Evans Vaccines, which supplies GPs and community pharmacists, has admitted encountering problems.

But the Scottish Executive said contingency plans would ensure that alternative supplies would be provided as soon as possible.

Among those eligible for the jab are people over 65 and those who have heart and respiratory illnesses.

Limit impact

An executive spokesman said: "Although some immunisation appointments might be delayed in the short-term, we are confident that all who are eligible for the free jab will be immunised soon as possible."

It is understood that the delay in receiving vaccine from Chiron Evans Vaccines - one of six vaccine suppliers - is because a small number failed sterility tests and additional testing is being carried out on the rest.

Although this is a contract issue between the supplier and community pharmacists, the executive said that measures were in place to limit any impact the delay could have on delivering this year's immunisation programme.