Under fives targeted for swine flu vaccine in Western Cheshire

Dec 16 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

THE under-fives in Western Cheshire are the latest group prioritised for protection from swine flu.

The Government has extended its national vaccination campaign to cover all youngsters over the age of six months and under five years.

Younger children are particularly at risk of catching the virus and falling seriously ill from swine flu. Experience shows under-fives are three times more likely to end up in hospital if they catch the swine flu virus.

There are over 11,000 youngsters in western Cheshire that fall into this age range and their parents will be contacted shortly about the vaccination programme which will be run over the next two months.

Local GPs and NHS Western Cheshire are working together to make sure youngsters get the protection they need as quickly as possible.

Discussions are already well advanced to deliver this latest phase of the vaccination programme.

The NHS has been working hard since the early Autumn to make sure patients of all ages who have medical conditions that make them vulnerable to swine flu have the vaccination they need.

Health bosses say safe, effective vaccines are available for everyone at particular risk from swine flu or seasonal flu and local GPs have been vaccinating priority groups – such as patients suffering from long-term medical conditions.

Parents with any general questions about the national vaccination programme can ring the national Pandemic Flu Information Service 0800 1 513 513 or visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk