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05/02/2010
Swine Flu Vaccine 'Still Vital'
Swine flu cases remain near their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the UK, according to a statistical bulletin from the Chief Medical Officer for England, published today.
The bulletin also shows that the swine flu vaccination programme has gathered pace since Christmas, as more people in groups at risk from swine flu including the under fives, are being vaccinated.
The Chief Medical Officer has stressed the importance of being vaccinated to prevent complications, hospital admissions and death in potential future outbreaks of the disease, as swine flu is likely to be the predominant influenza virus during the 2010 flu season.
Patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, although these numbers are in decline. A substantial number of deaths from the last few months are still being investigated.
Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England said: "I am pleased to see increasing uptake of vaccine amongst the under fives. Deaths in this age group have been deeply distressing.
"When the virus returns I would very much like to see young children already protected."
He added: "Young children who have the jab now will be protected should H1N1 (2009) influenza return in the next flu season. Pregnant women and those in all other at-risk groups should continue to have the vaccine as well."
(PR/GK)
The bulletin also shows that the swine flu vaccination programme has gathered pace since Christmas, as more people in groups at risk from swine flu including the under fives, are being vaccinated.
The Chief Medical Officer has stressed the importance of being vaccinated to prevent complications, hospital admissions and death in potential future outbreaks of the disease, as swine flu is likely to be the predominant influenza virus during the 2010 flu season.
Patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, although these numbers are in decline. A substantial number of deaths from the last few months are still being investigated.
Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England said: "I am pleased to see increasing uptake of vaccine amongst the under fives. Deaths in this age group have been deeply distressing.
"When the virus returns I would very much like to see young children already protected."
He added: "Young children who have the jab now will be protected should H1N1 (2009) influenza return in the next flu season. Pregnant women and those in all other at-risk groups should continue to have the vaccine as well."
(PR/GK)
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22 November 2010
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
