Swine flu
Swine flu latest information
As of 1am on Thursday 11 February 2010, the Department of Health is standing down the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS). This means that patients will not be able to access the NPFS by web or phone in order to get a swine flu assessment or be issued with a voucher code for antivirals.
Once the NPFS is closed, people who think they have swine flu are advised to contact their GP who will still be able to make antivirals available, if necessary. The swine flu information line - 0800 1 513 513 - will continue to operate as normal, and will provide recorded information messages directing people to their GPs and giving information about swine flu and self-care.
Swine flu vaccination
Who should have the swine flu jab?
The swine flu vaccine is being offered first to the people who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu. These priority groups are made up of:
- Adults and children over six months of age who:
- have a serious health condition such as chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease, or diabetes;
- have an immune system that is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease. This includes people who have a damaged or no spleen, people having chemotherapy and those on high doses of steroid medication;
- All pregnant women;
- People who live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease;
- Children aged over 6 months and under 5 years.
What if I am not in one of these groups?
If you’re not in one of these groups, you may be offered the vaccine at a later stage – but for now, the priority is to vaccinate those who are most at risk.
Why do I need the swine flu jab?
For most people, swine flu is mild. It comes on quickly and generally lasts for around a week. It causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat. Some people are more likely to be seriously ill with swine flu. These are the people in the vaccination priority groups above. They may need to go to hospital and, in the very worst cases, some may die.
The vaccination will help to prevent these people catching swine flu.
Where can I get the swine flu jab?
If you’re in one of the priority groups, you will be invited by your GP to go to a vaccination clinic or to make an appointment for your jab. If you are unsure whether you need the vaccination, please speak to your GP.
Parents of children aged over 6 months and under 5 years are advised to speak to their GP receptionist about arranging a vaccination appointment.
Need more information on swine flu?
Please call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 or visit www.nhs.uk/swineflu