People most at risk of developing complications from swine flu are being urged to have the swine flu vaccination when they are offered it.
Four priority groups have been identified by the Department of Health as those most at risk, and people in these groups are starting to be contacted by their GP across the county.
The groups are:
1.People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups;
2.All pregnant women;
3.Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer;
4.People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups. This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
Cynthia Lyons, Flu Director for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, said:
“It is vital we protect those most at risk from this virus.
Although the majority of people in Sussex have so far only experienced mild symptoms, people in these groups have been identified because they do have an increased risk of catching swine flu and becoming very unwell if they do.
We would encourage everyone in these groups to make sure they know about the vaccine and to have it when they are offered it by their GP.
The swine flu vaccination really is your best defence against the virus, and not only protects you, but also your family and friends.
If you are invited to have the swine flu vaccination, please take it.”
The majority of people in the four priority groups will receive their swine flu vaccination at their GP practice.
The first deliveries of the vaccine to GP practices are underway in Sussex.
It is an ongoing programme during the next two to three weeks.
Further deliveries will then continue after that.
Cynthia added:
“It is an ongoing programme so GP practices are staggering their invites to make sure the vaccine is ready and available for you when you are invited in.
Please do not worry if you have not heard from your GP practice yet, you will be contacted in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if you are in an at risk group and have any particular questions or concerns about the vaccine please visit www.nhs.uk or contact your GP.”
