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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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
