AN ASTHMA sufferer who was refused the flu vaccine because of national drug shortages had his case raised in Parliament.

And Steven Flynn today said it was the Government's responsibility to ensure there were enough jabs, particularly for vulnerable patients.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt was confronted by Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans yesterday, as news broke of a widespread shortage of the vaccine.

He blasted Mrs Hewitt for appearing not "to be taking any responsibility for the crisis that we are facing."

He told her the case of Mr Flynn, 38, of Whinney Lane, Mellor, who he said was told by a Blackburn practice yesterday that he could not have the vaccine despite being classed as a priority patient.

Fears over a pandemic caused by bird flu are thought to have led to a surge in demand for the vaccine from those not at risk, which has swamped reserves.

Speaking after Mrs Hewitt gave a statement on the crisis, Mr Evans said: "The Secretary of State says that lessons have to be learned for next year.

"What lessons has she learned, given that she does not seem to be taking any responsibility for the crisis that we are facing?

"Steve Flynn of Mellor in my constituency contacted me today.

"He is an asthma sufferer who was told that he could not get the flu jab this week.

"He said, 'I'll ring back next week', and was told, 'Yes, give us a try'.

"I then phoned both my Clitheroe practices, which expect it to run out of the vaccine at the end of the week."

He asked her to ensure all practices get access to the vaccine but Mrs Hewitt said the drug would be given to practices on a "first come, first served" basis.

She said the Government took the matter "extremely seriously" but admitted just 40,000 of the 400,000 jabs in reserve were available for order by surgeries.

It was the responsibility of GP practices to order the right numbers, she said -- and priority must be given by GPs to those most at risk such as the over 65s and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes.

The Department of Health has previously urged asthmatics to get the vaccine as it can lead to serious illnesses including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Mr Flynn, of Whinney Lane, said: "It concerns me because I am at more risk than most people.

"People who are 75 and have asthma are a more risk then me and if they are not getting the vaccine then that is a problem."

He went on: "The surgery said there was no point making an appointment.

"I said I would call next week and they said it could be some weeks before they could get some supplies."

Yet, he said, it was up to the Government and not surgeries to ensure there were enough jabs to meet demand.

He said he rang NHS Direct for advice - but was told the nearest clinic was in Newport Pagnell near Milton Keynes.

And speaking after the debate Mr Evans, who has since written to Mrs Hewitt, called the Government's approach "shambolic" and a "disaster."