County’s Director of Public Health urges those at risk to get swine flu vaccina

People at risk of developing a severe illness through contracting swine flu are being urged to have the vaccine when invited to by their GP.

Batches of the H1N1 vaccine have been arriving in Herefordshire for a little over a week and GPs are writing to around 25,000 people in this priority group inviting them to have their vaccination.

Those at risk include:

• People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups 
• All pregnant women
• Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer 
• People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

"These people have been identified nationally by the Department of Health (DoH) because they are at highest risk of severe illness should they contract the swine flu virus," said Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire’s Director of Public Health.

"Thankfully, for most people the affects of swine flu are mild and no worse than a bout of seasonal flu.

"However, it is claiming lives and can lead to serious complications in certain people – particularly those who are at risk.

"NHS Herefordshire, which is receiving the batches of vaccinations from the DoH, is making sure they are delivered to GP surgeries so they are in the hands of local doctors who know their patients and particularly those at risk.

"If you get a letter or a phone call from your GP inviting you to have a swine flu vaccination, please ensure you to take up this offer,” added Dr Ali.

“I urge everyone in these priority groups to have the vaccine – it will help you from getting swine flu and the complications that may arise from it."

Vaccinations for frontline health and social care staff began last week (w/c Mon, Nov 2).

General advice remains the same: follow good respiratory and hand hygiene practice:

1. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue where possible,
2. Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully,
3. Maintain good, basic hygiene e.g. washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of a virus from your hands to face or other people,
4. Cleaning hard surfaces e.g. door handles frequently, using a normal cleaning product,
5. Make sure your children follow this advice.

   People with flu-like symptoms are advised NOT to visit their local GP surgeries, pharmacies or hospitals and instead to stay at home and:

6. Contact the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) on 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to access antivirals
7. Call the Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513
8. Visit the NHS website at http://www.nhs.uk/
9. Click on www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
10. Department of Health http://www.dh.gov.uk/