Vaccination available for protection against swine flu now and in the future

Date published: 18/03/2010

Swine flu may well be the predominant strain when seasonal influenza hits later in the year.
Those eligible for the vaccination now are urged to get protected against the virus and its complications.

Although new cases of swine flu remain at their lowest level since the virus first appeared in the UK, and in most cases it is a mild condition, occasionally people who have been previously healthy can become severely ill or even die from swine flu.

Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said: “We want to get as much immunity in the borough as possible, before seasonal flu takes hold. Vaccination now will help protect individuals against the virus and its complications when seasonal flu hits later in the year. The swine flu jab continues to be freely available to all those in at risk groups and healthy children aged six months to under five years.”

Bury’s swine flu vaccination programme continues to be delivered to priority groups which includes patients with an underlying illness, pregnant women, healthy children aged 6 months to under 5 years and frontline health and social care staff.

Patients who think they may have symptoms of seasonal influenza or swine flu should stay at home and contact their GP by telephone. If required, patients will be issued with a voucher for their flu friend to collect antiviral medication from Bury’s antiviral collection point.

For up to date information regarding swine flu call the Swine Flu Information Line (an automated service) on 0800 1 513 513.