Swine Flu Update
Latest information
Latest information on Swine Flu (H1N1)
Leaflets now available in other languages
A new leaflets & information page is now available. The page lists important information about Swine Flu in a variety of languages, including support for our local Polish, Portugese and Chinese communities.
We have also included links to the British Sign Language video version of the leaflet as published by the Department of Health.
Vaccination programme has begun
New cases of swine flu in the week to October 22 were estimated at 53,000, up from 27,000 the week before.
Swine flu vaccinations have begun for people in high-risk groups, such as people with chronic conditions and pregnant women. You will be contacted by your GP if you are in a high-risk category.
The chief medical officer has urged everyone in high-risk groups to have the vaccine.
Priority groups
The following groups are being given priority for the swine flu vaccine in this order:
- people aged between six months and under 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups
- pregnant women
- people who live with someone whose immune system is compromised (for example, people with cancer or HIV/AIDS)
- people aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups
The GlaxoSmithKline vaccine (Pandemrix) will be offered to the vast majority of these people. It has been licensed and approved by the European regulators. Most people will need only one dose of this vaccine for protection. Other people may be offered the Baxter-manufactured vaccine if this is more appropriate.
Chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said: "This is the first pandemic for which we have had vaccine to protect people. I urge everyone in the priority groups to have the vaccine – it will help prevent people in clinical risk groups from getting swine flu and the complications that may arise from it."
More information on the swine flu vaccine is available from NHS Choices or by downloading the information leaflet.
Swine Flu Vaccination: what you need to know