12/01/2011
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday.
Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride said: "Many GP practices still have some stocks of seasonal flu vaccines and they will continue to use those, as well as supplementing these with the stockpiles of H1N1 vaccine.
"We have a sufficient stockpile of the swine flu vaccine which we have always said will be used to protect people in 'at-risk' groups, if it was needed," he explained.
"I want to absolutely reassure the public that there is no shortage of safe, effective vaccine to provide protection against swine flu.
"Once again I would ask anyone in the 'at-risk' group who has not yet received the vaccine, to make sure they are protected against swine flu.
"I would also like to thank GPs, trusts and their staff who have worked so hard to vaccinate those in the at-risk groups, and at this stage the majority have already received the vaccine," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Brian Dunn, a GP in Larne and Chair of the NI BMA GP Committee commented: "We have recently seen an increase in demand for the flu vaccination at practices across Northern Ireland.
"It is pleasing to note that many who are in an at risk group have responded positively to the recent public health messages and GPs will continue to prioritise available vaccine supplies for patients who are in an at risk group."
The overall operation will continue to be coordinated by the Public Health Agency who will oversee distribution of vaccine supplies.
(BMcC/GK)
Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride said: "Many GP practices still have some stocks of seasonal flu vaccines and they will continue to use those, as well as supplementing these with the stockpiles of H1N1 vaccine.
"We have a sufficient stockpile of the swine flu vaccine which we have always said will be used to protect people in 'at-risk' groups, if it was needed," he explained.
"I want to absolutely reassure the public that there is no shortage of safe, effective vaccine to provide protection against swine flu.
"Once again I would ask anyone in the 'at-risk' group who has not yet received the vaccine, to make sure they are protected against swine flu.
"I would also like to thank GPs, trusts and their staff who have worked so hard to vaccinate those in the at-risk groups, and at this stage the majority have already received the vaccine," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Brian Dunn, a GP in Larne and Chair of the NI BMA GP Committee commented: "We have recently seen an increase in demand for the flu vaccination at practices across Northern Ireland.
"It is pleasing to note that many who are in an at risk group have responded positively to the recent public health messages and GPs will continue to prioritise available vaccine supplies for patients who are in an at risk group."
The overall operation will continue to be coordinated by the Public Health Agency who will oversee distribution of vaccine supplies.
(BMcC/GK)
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