Swine flu vaccination - our experience so far

We recommend that people make sure that they have also had the seasonal flu vaccine if eligible. As recommended by the department of health, some of the frontline staff have had the swine flu vaccine and have said that it is not that different in terms of side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine, although it seems clear that it is resulting in more 'sore arms' than the seasonal flu.

We know that our pregnant ladies have been anxious about having the vaccine, and suggest that you click here to view the new DoH leaflet. Dr Herbert who has recently had her baby and is currently on maternity leave, had the swine flu vaccine having carefully considered the pros and cons.

Vaccinating the under 5's

The government has advised us that we may not vaccinate healthy under 5's against swine flu after the end of March, so please book in if your child still needs vaccinating. We can continue to vaccinate all other 'at risk' patients for the foreseeable future.

Swine flu vaccination - Clinics

We are trying to schedule flu clinics of both types for the few remaining people who haven't yet managed to be vaccinated. Please ring reception to find out when you can have your vaccine(s).

Eligibility for Swine Flu is not the same as Seasonal Flu.

Eligibility

i. individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
ii. all pregnant women, subject to licensing considerations on trimesters
iii. household contacts of immuno-compromised individuals
iv. people aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups

Important Information about Swine Flu

What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications. The typical symptoms are:

• sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F), and
• sudden cough

Other symptoms may include:

• headache
• tiredness
• chills
• aching muscles
• limb or joint pain
• diarrhoea or stomach upset
• sore throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• loss of appetite

Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.

High-risk Groups
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. Scientists are still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but it is already known that the following people are particularly susceptible:

• people with:
  • chronic lung disease
  • chronic heart disease
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease
  • chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease)
  • immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
  • diabetes mellitus
• patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
• pregnant women
• people aged 65 years and older
• young children under five years old

It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible.