McGimpsey Criticised Over Swine Flu

In the wake of the recent death of a child from swine flu there has been a call for assurances on vaccine stocks.

With the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) offering his condolences on the death of a two-year-old boy from the Republic of Ireland, the East Antrim DUP MLA Alastair Ross has pressed the Minister on his Department's swine flu vaccination policy.

He sought an assurance from the Minister that he has adequate levels of the vaccine should it be required as the official total of fatalities in the current outbreak reached 21.

"It is fair to suggest that there is unease within the community about the level of swine flu cases in Northern Ireland and that many members of the public are unhappy with the current swine flu vaccination policy.

"Reports of more people losing their lives from the virus this year compared to last also leads to increased levels of concern," he said.

"I pressed the Minister on his policy, and asked for an assurance that should the situation worsen, he would adjust his vaccination policy to allow more people to be offered the vaccination.

"I also sought an assurance that he has an adequate stock of the vaccination should that policy need to be changed," the MLA said.

"It is important that the public are not unnecessarily panicked by the swine flu endemic, but a lack of information will inevitably lead to suspicion and concern.

"Many parents of young children, concerned that under-fives are not offered the vaccination, need to be reassured and shown why this is the policy, and assured that should the situation in Northern Ireland worsen, the Minister will change his policy.

"A stance based on a UK-wide view may not be appropriate, and I would hope that the Minister will determine his policy based on what is happening here in Northern Ireland," he concluded.

However, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has already said: "The important message is that anyone in an at-risk group who has not yet been vaccinated should do so as soon as possible.

"We continue to offer vaccinations to any child under five in an at-risk group as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)."

The Sinn Fein MLA and member of the Health Committee at Stomont, Sue Ramsey, has gone further: "Following the deaths of 21 people as a result of swine flu within the space of 12 weeks we finally have heard from the Health Minister, Micheal McGimpsey, in the Assembly.

"Unfortunately, he had to be forced by Sinn Fein compelling him following the submission of a urgent oral question.

"He has finally accepted that there is a lack of information, he has also accepted that there is a lot of misinformation out there, yet he will still not come forward and make a definitive statement to provide clarity and outline an action plan to the Assembly to deal with this crisis.

"Last year, with two less deaths, the Minister made a public statement on this issue, so what has changed this time around?

"The reality is that more people may still die due to swine flu over the coming weeks," she fumed.

"Quite clearly the Minister seems resigned to ride out this term as easily as he can dealing with as little as he can, whether it be addressing with swine flu crisis or taking his budgetary responsibilities on in order to protect front line services."

Ulster Unionist Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "I understand that this news may heighten public anxiety, particularly among parents of young children.

"I have recently spoken to other UK health ministers about Northern Ireland's current flu picture. I have also spoken to Mary Harney, the Republic of Ireland's Health Minister.

"In addition, I have consulted with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about the particular circumstances here. They do not recommend extending the vaccination programme beyond the current at risk groups."

See: Swine Flu Tragedy 'Crosses Border'

(BMcC/GK)