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21/07/2009
Top Medic Offers Swine Flu Reassurance
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer has said that despite a rapid rise in the number of local cases, the swine flu pandemic can be safely controlled.
Dr Michael McBride said yesterday that the public can be reassured that while the whole community will have a part to play in trying to prevent the spread of swine flu - the planned use of vaccines in the autumn will be safe.
Plans for a vaccine are under way and by the end of the year half the population should be protected although it will be the end of next year though before everyone is vaccinated.
"All vaccines go through a very rigorous process of testing and quality control to ensure the vaccine is safe for human use," he said.
"This vaccine will be no different, it will be a licensed vaccine which will have gone through the appropriate testing to ensure that it is effective in protecting people against swine flu and is actually safe to do so."
The top medical officer was commenting as doctors said although they are preparing for the worst, people should continue to bear in mind that for most people swine flu will be a mild illness.
They also said that despite some initial confusion, pregnant women should not change their plans unnecessarily - but should use common sense.
The advice was issued during a briefing by the Department of Health on Monday.
It was confirmed there have been 50 cases in NI - and that this figure is likely to rise "significantly over the next few months".
See: Swine Flu Measures In Focus
(BMcC/KMcA)
Dr Michael McBride said yesterday that the public can be reassured that while the whole community will have a part to play in trying to prevent the spread of swine flu - the planned use of vaccines in the autumn will be safe.
Plans for a vaccine are under way and by the end of the year half the population should be protected although it will be the end of next year though before everyone is vaccinated.
"All vaccines go through a very rigorous process of testing and quality control to ensure the vaccine is safe for human use," he said.
"This vaccine will be no different, it will be a licensed vaccine which will have gone through the appropriate testing to ensure that it is effective in protecting people against swine flu and is actually safe to do so."
The top medical officer was commenting as doctors said although they are preparing for the worst, people should continue to bear in mind that for most people swine flu will be a mild illness.
They also said that despite some initial confusion, pregnant women should not change their plans unnecessarily - but should use common sense.
The advice was issued during a briefing by the Department of Health on Monday.
It was confirmed there have been 50 cases in NI - and that this figure is likely to rise "significantly over the next few months".
See: Swine Flu Measures In Focus
(BMcC/KMcA)
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It has emerged that cash is being sought from London to help pay for the fight against swine flu. Although NI's top medic Dr Michael McBride (pictured) yesterday insisted that cost "was not a factor" which would deter health officials from seeking to deliver the swine flu vaccine - the question of who is footing the bill has been raised today.
06 July 2009
Vaccines On Way As Fifth Flu Victim Dies
Medical staff and other front-line personnel are to be at the top of the queue for swine flu vaccinations across Northern Ireland. The development comes as news that a nine-year-old girl in south London has become the latest UK person to die from the infection emerged.
Vaccines On Way As Fifth Flu Victim Dies
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27 November 2009
Swine Flu Outbreak Slowing
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Swine Flu Outbreak Slowing
The Department of Health has published its now weekly flu bulletin - and the prognosis for NI is 'improving'. The number of new swine flu cases in Northern Ireland almost halved last week, according to the latest figures. Although there were 43 new cases, that is good compared to 78 the previous week - a fall of 45%, so things are improving.
12 November 2009
Another Death From Swine Flu
While another person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for swine flu has died, the Department of Health has said, consultations with family doctors in NI over suspected swine flu are slowing. The Department of Health revealed the news as it published a new flu bulletin for Northern Ireland.
Another Death From Swine Flu
While another person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for swine flu has died, the Department of Health has said, consultations with family doctors in NI over suspected swine flu are slowing. The Department of Health revealed the news as it published a new flu bulletin for Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear intervals and occasional wintry showers this evening with local fresh snowfalls and some ice. Overnight as winds ease showers will die back to northern coastal areas. Frosty. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
