Flu Vaccine For All 'At Risk'

Everyone in NI who is deemed 'at risk' from the current swine flu that is sweeping Europe is to have a vaccination offered to them.

As the local programme was launched by NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today, it has emerged there will be enough to cover everyone who needs it.

The first batches will be given to frontline health and social care staff with about 80,000 doses delivered so far with more due to arrive soon.

Speaking today at the start of the H1N1 vaccination programme, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's GP Committee in Northern Ireland (pictured above) said: "BMA welcomes the start of the H1N1 vaccination programme. We would encourage all health and social care staff to have the vaccination.

"This is not just about vaccinating apparently healthy people; it is to minimise the number of health care staff from falling ill and being absent from work, which will ensure the health service can continue to deliver care," he said.

Dr Dunn concluded: "Vaccination of doctors, nurses and other frontline staff against H1N1 will reduce the spread of the virus from healthcare workers to vulnerable patients."

At risk groups include those aged between six months and 65 in the annual seasonal flu vaccination programme and all pregnant women.

As the vaccination programme got underway this afternoon, Minister McGimpsey said: "We are continually learning from our experiences on the ground about swine flu and it is important that we respond quickly to protect the public.

"It has become clear that some groups are particularly at risk of complications, such as those who have an underlying health condition and pregnant women.

"The vaccination programme begins today and will target these vulnerable groups. Frontline health and social care staff will also be amongst the first to receive the vaccine," he said, noting that GPs will start vaccinating those in the at risk groups starting from 26 October.

"We are dependent on the vaccine being delivered by the manufacturers and so must prioritise our supplies to ensure those most at risk are protected first," he said.

Over the last few weeks, the Minster said it had become clear that some groups are particularly at risk of complications, including pregnant women and those children and young people who have complex needs and severe learning disabilities.

This includes children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and chronic lung conditions which make them particularly prone to frequent chest infections.

He continued: "After discussions with the Chief Medical Officer, I have decided that we must ensure children in special schools for severe learning disability are prioritised as a matter of urgency.

"Arrangements will be made to vaccinate these children starting tomorrow and Friday.

"Other children with special needs and underlying physical health conditions who are not in special schools for children with severe learning disability will quickly be identified and offered vaccines by their GPs," he concluded.

See: Swine Flu Vaccination Programme Begins

See: Swine Flu Death Toll Rises

(BMcC/KMcA)