SWINE FLU VACCINATION PROGRAMME
What you need to knowThe Swine Flu vaccine is currently available and you should have it if you are a child aged over six months and under five years old
and
if you are six months of age of age and above and::
- You have a long-term health condition such as chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease, or diabetes mellitus
- You are pregnant
- Your immune system is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease
- You live in the same house as someone who immune system is compromised
Here we answer some of the most common questions about the vaccine
Swine FluV accination Leaflets
PREGNANT WOMEN
Chief Medical Officer’s advice
Some pregnant women who catch the H1N1 (swine) ‘flu virus will develop complications of the infection (including pneumonia) that could put their own and their baby’s health at risk. The risks are greatest in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It is too early in the pandemic of influenza to be able to quantify these risks for the individual but most pregnant women who catch the disease are likely to make an uncomplicated recovery.
Bearing these risks in mind, at present, mothers-to-be are not advised to curtail normal activities such as going to work, travelling on public transport, attending events and family gatherings.
They are advised to take the following steps to reduce their risk of infection and complications:
- observe good hand hygiene (frequent use of soap and water or sanitizer);
- wherever possible, avoid contact with someone who is known or suspected to have swine ‘flu;
- if they have ‘flu-like symptoms, to make early contact with their General Practitioner who may advise treatment with antiviral drugs.
- Some mothers-to-be may wish to continue their day-to-day activities but exercise their choice now, on a highly precautionary basis, to avoid large densely-populated gatherings where they have little control over personal contact.
When the pandemic reaches its height (probably in the autumn) as many as 1 in 3 people may be affected. At that point, I may make a more specific recommendation to mothers-to-be and others (e.g. those on chemotherapy) with weakened immune systems to avoid densely-populated gatherings.
There is no need for other family members (e.g. partners, children) to take special precautions but they should also practise good hygiene.
CONCEIVING
We advise everybody to plan their pregnancy carefully - we are not advising women not to conceive.
Mums-to-be are more vulnerable to any type of flu. It is particularly important that anyone who has existing health problems and is thinking about starting a family should talk to their GP first, as they normally would.
HOLIDAY ADVICE
Wherever you go on holiday, you should always take the same sensible precautions that you do when at home. Know where you can get medical advice if you or your family feel unwell and make sure you have over-the-counter medication for coughs and sneezes.
If you are going on holiday in the UK then you can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service helpline.
If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to any necessary medical treatment, including for swine flu, during a visit to another European Economic Area country. You can get an EHIC application form from the Post Office, by calling 0845 606 2030 or by applying online at www.nhs.uk
If you have swine flu, we recommend that you do not travel until after your symptoms have stopped.
Whenever you go abroad, always check the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office at: www.fco.gov.uk.
WHAT WE CAN ALL DO
- Everyone can do their bit to ensure that they stop the spread of all infections by making sure that they and their children/pupils following good hygiene measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintain good basic hygiene - wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
The ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it' slogan is an easy way to remember to act to stop the spread of germs.
- CATCH IT Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
- BIN IT Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible.
- KILL IT Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.
Further information is available on the national NHS website:
NHS swine flu news
NHS swine flu advice
NHS swine flu Health A-Z
NHS swine flu symptoms
NHS swine flu Q&A
NHS swine flu other languages
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