27/10/2009

Swine Flu Jab Advised For Pregnant Women

The Health Service Executive has said pregnant women should come forward for a swine flu vaccine.

The urge to pregnant women is part of the executive's vaccination programme officially due to start on 2 November.

Announcing the programme today, the HSE said it has been planning over recent months for the major vaccination campaign, which it says is the best defence against this virus, which has already claimed nine lives in the Republic.

Speaking today, a HSE spokesman said: "Over the coming months, the HSE will offer a swine flu vaccine to the entire population. However, as the vaccine is being delivered in phases, we have started with the people who are more at risk from swine flu."

Vaccine deliveries to GP practices began this week and by now in the region of 40% of the 2,000 participating GPs have received their initial batches of vaccine.

Those defined as more at risk and being vaccinated first include pregnant women from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after giving birth, and those suffering from long-term lung disease like asthma and cystic fibrosis.

The list of at risk patients also includes those suffering from long-term heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and morbid obesity.

The latest victim of the virus was a 14-year-old boy from the east of the country who died yesterday. It is believed he was suffering from an underlying medical condition.

(DW/KMcA)

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