Cambs clinical staff take part in mass swine flu vaccination
Last updated: 25/11/2009 15:00:00
CLINICAL representatives from across Cambridgeshire took part in a mass swine flu vaccination programme yesterday (Tuesday) to highlight the importance of the vaccine.
Representatives from across the county's health sector attended the programme to demonstrate the importance of high risk priority groups getting the vaccination.
As well as clinical staff, there are a number of priority groups who qualify to receive the first wave of the vaccination.
These groups include adults and children over six month and under 65 in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at risk groups, pregnant women and people who live with someone whose immune system is compromised.
GP practices are in the process of arranging vaccinations for people in the priority groups.
Only those people covered in the priority grouping are eligible for the vaccine.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, public health consultant at NHS Cambridgeshire said: "We would encourage anyone who falls into one of the priority groups to ensure that they have the swine flu vaccine. For most people so far, swine flu has been a mild illness, which will last for around a week. However, some people are more likely to be seriously ill with swine flu."
There are 71 people in hospital in connection with swine flu across the East of England, nine of which are in critical care. There have been seven deaths in the region relating to swine flu since April 2009.
Symptoms of swine flu are if you have a temperature of 38°C or above and at least two of the following symptoms: widespread muscle and joint aches, a cough, headache, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
INFORMATION: If you think you have swine flu, contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for assessment, on 0800 1513100, or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu To find out more on the vaccination visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
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