Swine flu jabs arrive at hospital

BY LAURA HANNAM

swine flu vaccinations

The first batch of swine flu vaccinations has arrived at Milton Keynes Hospital.

Frontline health and social care staff who are in regular contact with those patients most likely to fall into the priority risk groups are now being given the vaccinations.

This aims to help minimise the risk of transmission of the virus to safeguard staff, their patients, their colleagues and their families.

Anita Reed, chief operating officer at Milton Keynes Hospital, said: "Recent annual flu seasons have seen relatively low levels of flu, but there are early signs that, with the added impact of swine flu, we will have a busy winter season.

"We continue to send out the message that good hand hygiene is essential to promote patient safety and prevent the spread of infection."

Staff who will be invited to have the vaccine include everyone who has regular clinical contact with patients and those who are directly involved in patient care.

This includes doctors, midwives, nurses, occupational therapists and radiographers.

Students and trainees in these disciplines, and volunteers working with patients will also be included.

Sue Frossell, consultant in public health at NHS Milton Keynes, added: "These supplies will also be used to protect any in-patients in at-risk groups who clinicians feel need to be vaccinated immediately."

GP practices across the borough are likely to receive the vaccine within the next three to four weeks and will then start contacting their patients in at risk groups to offer them the vaccine.

Mrs Frossell added: "The vaccines have now been licensed by the European Medicines Agency and those who are offered it should take up that offer.

"Having the vaccine will protect those at high risk and help protect their families.

"It is also likely to protect them against mutated strains.

"Although the majority of people have suffered minor symptoms with swine flu, for some it has proven fatal."

Those to be offered the swine flu vaccination first include:

All people aged between six months and 65 years who usually get the seasonal flu jab

Pregnant women

People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS

People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.