Press release
Vaccination available for protection against swine flu now and in the future
Swine flu may well be the predominant strain when seasonal influenza hits later in the year.
Those eligible for the vaccination now are urged to get protected against the virus and its complications.
Although new cases of swine flu remain at their lowest level since the virus first appeared in the UK, and in most cases it is a mild condition, occasionally people who have been previously healthy can become severely ill or even die from swine flu.
Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said; “We want to get as much immunity in the borough as possible, before seasonal flu takes hold. Vaccination now will help protect individuals against the virus and its complications when seasonal flu hits later in the year. The swine flu jab continues to be freely available to all those in at risk groups and healthy children aged six months to under five years.”
Bury’s swine flu vaccination programme continues to be delivered to priority groups which includes patients with an underlying illness, pregnant women, healthy children aged 6 months to under 5 years and frontline health and social care staff.
Patients who think they may have symptoms of seasonal influenza or swine flu should stay at home and contact their GP by telephone. If required, patients will be issued with a voucher for their flu friend to collect antiviral medication from Bury’s antiviral collection point.
For up to date information regarding swine flu visit www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line (an automated service) on 0800 1 513 513.
ENDS
Date: 17th March 2010
For press & media enquiries: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
Symptoms of swine flu
The symptoms of swine flu are a fever or a high temperature (over 38ºC/100.4ºF) and two of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Antiviral collection point *In line with demand, NHS Bury has reduced the number of collection points available to pick up antiviral medication to a single location. Antiviral medication is now only available from Healthfront Pharmacy (44 Haymarket Street, Bury, BL9 0AY). Healthfront Pharmacy is open from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 until 23:00, and Sunday from 13:45 until 22:00. BARDOC will continue to supply antiviral solution for children under one year of age and antiviral medication if required when Healthfront Pharmacy is closed.
** Swine flu vaccination programme
People currently eligible for the vaccine include:
- People aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
- 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 seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
- Children aged six months to five years.
The drop in vaccination sessions will take place on the following days:
All vaccination sessions are drop in clinics however anyone wishing to make an appointment or wanting more information can telephone the NHS Bury Flu Team on 0161 272 4049.
22 March 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
24 March 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
6 April 9 – 11am Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich
14 April 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
20 April 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
4 May 9 – 11am Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich
13 May 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
27 May 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
7 June 9 – 11am Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich
15 June 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
23 June 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
5 July 9 – 11am Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich
14 July 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
22 July 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
2 August 9 – 11am Sedgley Children’s Centre, Bishops Road, Prestwich
10 August 5 – 7pm Bury Walk-in Centre, Moorgate Primary Care Centre
25 August 5 – 7pm Prestwich Walk-in Centre, Fairfax Road, Prestwich
Pandemrix and Celvapan*** will be available at all sessions.
***Celvapan is suitable for individuals with egg allergies, two doses will be required at least three weeks apart.