Devon health staff get swine flu jab
A MASS swine flu vaccination has been launched in the South West, with front-line NHS staff and hospital patients first in the queue for the jab.
Staff in accident and emergency departments, intensive care and paediatrics are among the first to get their protection, to ensure they are safe from swine flu and cannot pass it on to patients.
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Swine flu virus
All other NHS staff who have direct contact with patients will also be offered a swine flu jab, along with front-line social care staff.
It is the first phase of a programme that will see thousands of staff and people at higher risk from swine flu being offered the vaccine.
The vaccine is being delivered to GP surgeries in the South West from this week. Doctors will call in patients in high-risk categories, including people with relevant existing health problems and pregnant women.
Dr Gabriel Scally, director of public health at NHS South West, said: “We ask a lot of our frontline staff and it is important that in return we offer them protection from swine flu.
“Once they’ve had the jab, they won’t be able to pass the virus on to those that they are caring for.”
Anyone who thinks they need the vaccination should call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513100.
For advice, call 0800 1513 513.
3 Comments
by BN, Cullompton
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:39PM
“emma
How do you think a vaccine works?
It prompts your immune system to produce antibodies in readiness - it is not a 'quick fix treatment'. If you are subsequently exposed to swine 'flu, you have already learnt to fight it which normally means you kill it before it gets a foothold.
The biggest danger to an effective immune system is the paranoid over-use of anti-bacterial cleaners etc in the home
As far as how bad swine 'flu is, anything from very mild to severe symptoms can be experienced dependant on the person, how strong their immune system is, what other health issues they have and whether they have been in contact with a similar strain before.
It may be no more dangerous than 'seasonal' 'flu (which kills hundreds every year) but it is likely to be much more widespread (and therefore could kill thousands) unless preventative action is taken.
BTW 'flu is a virus, not a bacterium.
Mulder and Scully - the truth is out there - and that is, it's fiction, as are all the scare stories about the vaccine.
Interesting use of the possessive..............”
by bob marley, new york
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 10:41AM
“oh nooooooo”
by emma, exeter
Tuesday, October 27 2009, 11:27PM
“Is this really necessary?.. Is this vaccine truly safe enough? Is swine flu really that bad?... I can't help think we have a pill, cure, potion or lotion to readily available, to often, in this day and age. Our body's need a certain amount of bacteria to build our immune systems. I just can't help feeling a little unnerved with the quick 'treatment' available to combat these illnesses by major pharmaceuticals, over night it appears .... Maybe I'm being slightly Mulder and Scully! Government Conspiracy's or not?!”