Swine flu vaccination for those at risk

A SWINE flu vaccination programme has begun in Tamworth with priority being given to those most at risk.

The inoculations will be given in the first instance to those aged between six months and up to 65 years who are in clinical 'at risk' groups, along with frontline health and social care workers.

Pregnant women will be next on the list, and then those in contact with people with poor immune systems.

Finally, the jab will be given to over 65s who currently receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Letters are being sent out throughout November and December to patients registered with GPs across the South Staffordshire PCT area.

John Wicks, Flu Director for the South Staffordshire PCT said: "Swine flu is generally mild for healthy people, but for people with long-term health conditions, who are pregnant or whose immune system is affected by a disease or treatment for a disease it can be more serious.

"The vaccine has had to pass stringent tests before being granted a licence by the European Medicines Agency and this means we are confident the new vaccine is low risk.

"Patients within key groups prioritised as the most vulnerable should wait to receive their letter from either the PCT or their GP. The vast majority of people will receive their vaccination at their GP Surgery, however if a GP is not vaccinating a specific group then the PCT has provided temporary facilities across the area to ensure the vaccinations can be administered as quickly as possible."

Once the initial priority groups have been vaccinated and in-line with last week's national guidance, all Tamworth's healthy children aged over six months and under five years will be offered the vaccination.