Swine flu update
Child vaccination
The vaccination programme for healthy children aged from 6 months up to 5 years has also begun. Parents of eligible children are being invited to vaccination sessions by their GP or the local NHS.
It is important that children receive the vaccination in order to protect themselves and others from swine flu. Although reports say the rates of illness have fallen recently, the virus is still a threat to health, so it is still important to take advantage of the offer of vaccination. These children have a higher rate of hospital admissions for serious complications from swine flu, and there have been swine-flu related deaths in the age group in the UK.
For important information on why you should have your child vaccinated please click here.
Swine flu vaccination
Swine flu symptoms continue to be unpleasant but mild for most healthy people but for pregnant women and those with health problems they can be more severe. These at-risk groups are more likely to need hospitalisation for complications if they get the disease. Some cases have been fatal.
The swine flu vaccine has been delivered to GP surgeries and those who are eligible to receive the vaccine are advised to book their appointment as soon as they are invited by their GP.
The vaccine is the best way to protect against swine flu and to reduce the risk of passing it to others.
Vaccination is available to the following groups:-
Group 1: if you are six months of age or above and you have a long-term health condition such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver disease
Group 2: you are pregnant (the vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
Group 3: your immune system is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease
Group 4: you live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised
Group 5: a healthy child aged 6 months and up to five years (ie, still aged 4 by 31 December 2009)
If you (or your child) is eligible, you will be contacted by your GP or your local NHS and invited to a vaccination session.
Other useful links:
To view the Swine flu vaccination: what you need to know, click here
To view the leaflet SWINE FLU AND PREGNANCY-How to protect yourself and your baby,
click here.
Last updated: 11/01/2010