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NOVEMBER 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu immunisations
There will be NO
weekend swine flu immunisation clinics for now. We are
to receive only 250 doses of vaccine this week and the
same next week. These will be given to patients at
higher risk during normal surgeries. Patients will be
contacted by the practice if required to attend for
immunisation.
We apologise for any confusion.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Swine flu and the swine flu vaccination
What is swine flu?
It is a respiratory disease caused by a new strain of influenza virus. The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those caused by seasonal flu. Swine flu is generally a mild infection that comes on quickly and lasts for about a week. It causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat. Other symptoms may include headache, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea.
However, for a very small number of healthy people, and for those with underlying health conditions; who are pregnant; or who are having medical treatment such as chemotherapy, these symptoms can lead to very serious complications and even death.
Who is being offered the swine flu vaccination?
The vaccine is being offered firstly to people who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu. These people are in the following groups:
- Adults and children over six months of age who have a long-term health condition and normally receive the seasonal flu vaccine
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People who live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised by disease or treatment
In order to gain adequate protection, you may require two doses depending on your personal circumstances. Your GP will advise you whether you will need a follow up appointment.
If you have a severely compromised immune system, ask the people you live with to also think about getting the vaccination to help protect you from swine flu.
Will my regular seasonal flu vaccination protect me against swine flu?
No. Seasonal flu and swine flu are caused by different flu viruses. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against swine flu. If you usually have the seasonal flu vaccine, you should have the swine flu vaccine also.
Will there be any side effects?
All vaccinations can produce side effects such as redness, soreness and swelling at the site of the injection. Flu vaccines can cause symptoms like fever, headache and muscle aches, but they are much milder than the flu itself and only last a day or so. This vaccine is not live so cannot cause flu.
How can we be sure these new vaccines are safe and effective?
Pandemrix and Celvapan are both licensed vaccines. Similar vaccines containing another flu virus strain (H5N1) have been clinically tested in trials involving over 5,000 people including older people. When they licensed the vaccines, the European Commission carefully considered all the evidence and recommended that they could be used.
Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?
The European Medicines Agency has said that both new vaccines can be given to pregnant women. Pregnant women are recommended to have the swine flu vaccine because they are at greater risk of being seriously ill with swine flu. They also have a higher risk of needing to go to hospital if they catch swine flu. These risks increase during later stages of the pregnancy.
If you are about to give birth, having the swine flu vaccine could help avoid catching swine flu and then passing it to your baby.
Please speak to your GP or midwife if you have any further questions.
Further Questions
If you have any further questions relating to having this vaccination please talk to your GP.
For general information on the swine flu vaccination, please contact the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.
Spring 2009 GPAQ Survey Results
 GPAQ
Survey and Newsletter 08-09
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