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22/01/2010
Swine Flu Jab Still Necessary
England's Chief Medical Officer has expressed the importance of receiving the swine flu vaccine, despite a fall in cases.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, new cases of swine flu in England fell to their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the United Kingdom.
However, patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, although these numbers are falling off. Deaths attributable to swine flu are still also occurring.
The swine flu vaccination programme slowed over the holiday period, but all groups prioritised to have the vaccine are continuing to take it up, the Government has said.
There are currently 211 patients in hospital with swine flu in England, 62 of whom are in critical care.
The number of people receiving antiviral drugs through the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) in the week ending 18 January was 6,337.
So far 387,000 front line health and social care workers have been vaccinated in England.
Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "Levels of pandemic flu are currently very low virtually concluding the second wave of the infection in this country.
"Although throughout it has not been a severe illness for most people, children and younger adults have developed serious complications, been admitted to hospital and some have died."
He continued: "When the virus returns in the 2010 flu season those who develop complications or die will be doing so from a vaccine preventable disease.
"I strongly advise that those eligible for the vaccine who have not yet had it, get the jab and protect themselves."
(PR/GK)
Over the Christmas and New Year period, new cases of swine flu in England fell to their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the United Kingdom.
However, patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, although these numbers are falling off. Deaths attributable to swine flu are still also occurring.
The swine flu vaccination programme slowed over the holiday period, but all groups prioritised to have the vaccine are continuing to take it up, the Government has said.
There are currently 211 patients in hospital with swine flu in England, 62 of whom are in critical care.
The number of people receiving antiviral drugs through the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) in the week ending 18 January was 6,337.
So far 387,000 front line health and social care workers have been vaccinated in England.
Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "Levels of pandemic flu are currently very low virtually concluding the second wave of the infection in this country.
"Although throughout it has not been a severe illness for most people, children and younger adults have developed serious complications, been admitted to hospital and some have died."
He continued: "When the virus returns in the 2010 flu season those who develop complications or die will be doing so from a vaccine preventable disease.
"I strongly advise that those eligible for the vaccine who have not yet had it, get the jab and protect themselves."
(PR/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
