A severe flu season in the UK has led to increased demand for private flu shots, prompting pharmaceutical wholesalers to order additional vaccines from manufacturers, according to the BMJ.[1] Pharmacy managers and patients have reported that some UK pharmacies (chemists) have run out of vaccines.[1] Martin Sawere of the BHDA said wholesalers were "ordering more from manufacturers" and that some deliveries were due within the week.[1] Sawere also said that there is "no shortage" of vaccines nationwide, but that supplies have run out in some localities.[1] According to him, vaccine orders were placed in the summer based on historical demand, which affected local availability.[1] This year, the flu season started unusually early with a spike in cases that first appeared in October.[1]