SCHOOL children in South Lakeland and Furness will not be receiving their routine tuberculosis jabs this year because of a national shortage of the vaccine.

Children throughout Morecambe Bay would normally receive the jab once during their secondary school education, usually in the first year.

But the shortage has meant that for the second year running those vaccinations have not taken place.

However, Morecambe Bay Health Authority public relations manager Allan Muirhead said experts at the Department of Health hoped there would soon be a greater production of the vaccine nationally.

School nurses would then be able to catch up, and ensure every child had the jab once while at secondary school.

"There's no risk to community health because anybody at high risk or who has been in contact with TB can be vaccinated," said Mr Muirhead.

The shortage has been caused by one of the manufacturers ceasing to trade.

Mr Muirhead said anyone in doubt about whether they were at risk should speak to their GP.