The elderly are being urged to take up the vaccine

The Scottish Executive is keen to remind those over 65 that they are entitled to the free injection.

Professor Peter Donnelly, deputy chief medical officer in Scotland, said flu could cause a great deal of damage.

The �427,000 campaign started in the wake of news that one supplier of the vaccine has encountered problems.

Chiron Vaccines Evans, one of six vaccine suppliers, has apologised to its customers, which include community pharmacists and GPs in Scotland.

TARGET GROUPS People aged 65 and over People with serious respiratory conditions People with serious heart conditions People with severe renal disease Diabetics receiving medication People with sickle cell disease People with coeliac disease

It said it was working hard to establish a new delivery date.

The executive believes the delay should only be short term.

Professor Donnelly said he was confident that everyone who needs the vaccine will receive their injection.

However, Dr David Love of the British Medical Association's Scottish GP committee said it was not known when people would receive their jab.

He said the main concern was that some patients would be left unprotected if there was an early outbreak.

"The flu vaccination campaign is directed at the vulnerable and the elderly and there is a potential problem," he said.

The annual campaign plays an important part in increasing the numbers of people being vaccinated against flu Professor Peter Donnelly Deputy chief medical officer

"It is going to vary across Scotland because different practices have made arrangements to obtain their vaccine from different manufacturers.

"The impact of this is going to be quite patchy across Scotland."

He said that there was "no logic" to moving supplies of the vaccine around the country, as the lack of a surplus meant that it would simply deprive people in other areas.

Dr Love said it would be "hugely disruptive" if practices had to cancel and reorganise vaccination sessions.

He stressed that anyone with an appointment to receive a vaccine should turn up as normal at their surgery.

Information leaflets

The flu and pneumococcal immunisation campaign is entitled "Don't let the Bug Bite".

It will consist of advertising on national and local television, in newspapers and on the radio.

There will also be information leaflets and resources to help health professionals.

Professor Donnelly said: "During most of the year we often forget how damaging the influenza virus can be to our health.

Contingency plans

"But we know that when flu does strike, some in our communities are more susceptible than others and with winter approaching we are again reminding those with medical conditions and those over 65 that they are eligible for a free flu jab from their GP practice.

"Traditionally, the annual campaign plays an important part in increasing the numbers of people being vaccinated against flu and in recent years in Scotland we have seen more than a 70% take up in the jab for over 65s."

Professor Donnelly said it was "unfortunate" that some practices were experiencing a delay in supplies but he insisted that contingency arrangements were in place and "all those eligible who would wish to receive the vaccine will do so".