Swine Flu - Staff update 5 November 2009

NHS Highland’s pandemic flu vaccination programme started on Monday 2 November with frontline health and social care workers in Highland being offered the vaccine.

NHS Highland’s Health Protection Nurse Specialist Helen Tissington said: “In the Highland area H1N1 hasn’t taken hold as much as first anticipated but there is no room for complacency.

“We would urge anyone who is eligible for a swine flu jab to take up the offer. Whilst most sufferers have made a good recovery from the virus we have unfortunately seen that in some cases it can life-threatening.

“Being vaccinated is the safest way to protect yourself and others from the illness. If you are eligible for the jab you will be invited to make an appointment by your GP. Eligible patients will be contacted over the next few weeks by their GP practice

“Testing has shown that the vaccine is safe and effective, whereas if you catch swine flu then there is a risk of complications. We would encourage anyone who is offered the jab to accept.”

In Highland, the same as in other health board areas, health care workers will be among the first to be given the vaccine because they clearly have a vital role to play in caring for those who are affected by H1N1.

The priority groups for the first stage of the vaccination programme are currently:

• People aged six months to 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
• Pregnant women 
• Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems
• People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups 
• Frontline health and social care workers
   

In total up to 95,000 people in the NHS Highland area will be offered the vaccine.

Anyone who thinks that they may be suffering from swine flu is asked to call the swine flu advice line on 0800 1 513 513 or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.