Why everyone who is eligible should take up the offer of flu vaccination

21 October 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is strongly recommending that anyone who is offered vaccination against H1N1v (swine flu) should seize the opportunity to protect themselves and their families from what has the potential to be a serious illness.

Dr. Rosemary McCann, the HPA's immunisation lead in Greater Manchester, said: "Most people with swine flu have comparatively mild symptoms and recover quickly, but like all types of influenza, H1N1v can have a severe effect on some people. In extreme cases people die, so no one should assume that they will escape with mild illness. Vaccination is the best line of defence against swine flu."

The first batches of swine flu vaccine have been earmarked for NHS hospitals. Every hospital in England will receive its supplies within the next three days. The vaccination programme will be rolled out to GP surgeries, Ambulance, Mental Health and Primary Care Trusts from Monday 26th October.

Frontline health and social care workers will be the first to be vaccinated because they are at increased risk and because they risk transmitting infection to vulnerable people in their care. Hospital patients who have risk factors for flu will also be vaccinated in the first wave. Others with risk factors will be prioritised as follows:

People aged over six months and under 65 years who qualify for normal seasonal flu jabs because they have risk factors such as heart conditions, kidney disease, chronic asthma or diabetes that requires medication
Pregnant women
Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems, such as people on cancer or steroid treatments and people who are HIV positive
People aged 65 and over with heart conditions, kidney disease, chronic asthma or diabetes requiring medication.

Notes to editors

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel. 07764-906508

Last reviewed: 21 October 2009