Dates for Swine Flu Vaccination Programme Announced

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has announced the start of the swine flu vaccination programme in Northern Ireland.

The first batch of vaccines has now been delivered and vaccination of frontline Health and Social Care workers is due to start on 21 October, closely followed by the ‘at-risk’ groups.

Mr McGimpsey said: “We have received our initial share of the pandemic vaccine this week, some 11,000 doses with more expected next week. In line with the rest of the UK, we aim to start vaccinating frontline Health and Social Care workers on 21 October.

“Vaccination of those in 'at-risk' groups is expected to begin shortly after this date. It is essential to start the programme at the earliest opportunity in order to protect those most at risk. GPs will write out to these groups to offer them vaccine.”

Timescales are subject to vaccine supplies arriving on time and as supplies arrive, vaccination will be rolled out to all areas as quickly as possible.

The Minister continued: “I will be urging all frontline health and social care staff and people in 'at-risk' groups to take up this vaccination to protect themselves and others. Vaccination will significantly increase our resilience over the winter, and help to save lives.

“We are now in the second wave of the swine flu pandemic with an associated increase in the estimated number of swine flu cases, those who have required hospitalisation, and GP and Out-of-Hours consultation rates.

“At this time, levels of flu continue to be much higher in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK, and are at the highest rate ever recorded in Northern Ireland.

“We do know that the infection is generally mild although some people will experience more severe symptoms. However, it is still difficult to predict the course of the pandemic over the next weeks and months. We can expect rises and falls in rates of flu and we can expect further waves. Key to preventing the spread of this virus and protecting the most vulnerable people in our population is the swine flu vaccine.”

Notes to editors:

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