Swine flu vaccine and news

Swine flu helpline closes

The National Pandemic Flu Service, set up to offer online and telephone assessments, has now closed.

The NHS website states that the decline in swine flu cases means the service is no longer needed, although it can be reinstated within seven days if a new wave of infections emerges.

The latest available NHS figures show:

in England, the rate of GP consultations for flu like illness was 12.5 per 100,000 population for the week ending January 31 2010
124 patients in hospital with swine flu in England, 29 of whom were in critical care
the Health Protection Agency's overall estimate of the number of cases was below 5,000, where it had been for six weeks

People showing swine flu symptoms are now advised to stay at home and contact their GP, who will be able to assess them. If appropriate patients will be offered antiviral medication and vaccination jabs.

Vaccination of people in clinical risk groups is still ongoing. NHS hospitals and GPs are continuing to vaccinate young children and adults facing the greatest risk of complications. Patients will be contacted by their GPs if they fall into one of the at-risk categories.

Latest information from NHS (link to NHS website).

Swine flu vaccine for at-risk groups

Patients will be contacted by their GPs if they fall into one of the at-risk categories.

The at-risk groups are listed below in order of priority:

people aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups
all pregnant women. The European Medicines Agency has indicated the vaccine can be given to pregnant women regardless of their stage of pregnancy
people who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS
people aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups
healthy children aged six months and over to under five years

For more information on the vaccination programme, please have a look at:

Ealing PCT Q&A on vaccinating children six months and over and under five years (word)
swine flu vaccination leaflet (pdf)
swine flu vaccine - questions and anwers (NHS website)