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THE flu crisis deepened yesterday as Andrew Lansley admitted the NHS was running out of vaccines.

The Health Secretary was forced to issue an SOS to the manufacturers and the doctors said they had to turn away patients who want a jab.

The ministers have asked vaccine providers to obtain additional doses in Britain "as soon as possible."

Shadow Health Secretary, John Healey, said: "This action is better late than never, but will only increase the confusion over the government's handling of the outbreak of swine flu.

"The adoption of the vaccine has been last year but there are reports of doctors run out of vaccines.

"The Secretary of Health has been slow to act at all stages and now that his department is playing catch up, urging the UK suppliers to buy more vaccine from the rest of Europe."

The UK Vaccine Industry Group, said 14. 700,000 doses have been delivered. But the Department of Health has been caught as people vaccinated amid fears of an epidemic. Latest figures show that 39 people have died from the flu since October - only one was over 65 - and nearly 750 are being treated in intensive care.

A Health Department spokesman insisted last night that the SOS vaccine is limited to specific areas.

She said: "There is a national shortage of seasonal flu vaccine. Primary Care Trusts are working with their doctors to ensure that local supply problems are resolved locally where possible."

As the vaccine shortage was revealed, the widow of a swine flu victim called for mass immunization to save families from the anguish they are suffering.

Martin Clorley, 37, of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, died on Boxing Day - 10 days after their wedding - and wife Nicola wants everyone to have the vaccine in the NHS.

She added: "Even the payment of the vaccine is better than paying for the funeral. Last week it feels like a nightmare."

Mother of two children, Sharon Chandler, 45, is the latest swine flu patient to die. The supermarket worker from Leek in Staffs, was in good health.