Menu
06/11/2003
Children and OAPs urged to take up flu vaccinations
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today urged more people to take up flu vaccination after the recent deaths of two children due to flu-related symptoms.
The agency has asked people to be alert to symptoms of flu, and for anyone over the age of 65, or under 65 who falls into an 'at risk' group, have been urged to ensure they receive their flu vaccination.
After three "unusually quiet years", the number of flu cases is now rising to what is considered "normal seasonal levels", the HPA said. Children and adolescents have been particularly affected and there have been two deaths due to the Fujian-like strain in England over recent months. Three children a week are expected to die from respiratory illness in England over the winter period.
Dr John Watson, a respiratory expert at the HPA, said: “For the last three years, we have seen very low levels of flu in the UK but flu activity has started earlier than normal this year so we are expecting to see more cases.
“Laboratory testing so far this year shows that the main strain circulating is a flu A (H3N2) Fujian-like strain. This is slightly different to the A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, which has been circulating in the UK in recent years. The current flu vaccine contains the Panama-like virus and is considered to offer some protection against the Fujian-like strain and good protection against other strains that may also circulate.
“When flu strains change over time, they are more likely to affect the young who will have less immunity to them. For this reason it is especially important for children over six months of age, who fall into the at-risk groups, to be vaccinated.”
The Department of Health has written to all doctors to make them aware of the current situation and remind them of the vaccination and treatment guidance.
(gmcg)
The agency has asked people to be alert to symptoms of flu, and for anyone over the age of 65, or under 65 who falls into an 'at risk' group, have been urged to ensure they receive their flu vaccination.
After three "unusually quiet years", the number of flu cases is now rising to what is considered "normal seasonal levels", the HPA said. Children and adolescents have been particularly affected and there have been two deaths due to the Fujian-like strain in England over recent months. Three children a week are expected to die from respiratory illness in England over the winter period.
Dr John Watson, a respiratory expert at the HPA, said: “For the last three years, we have seen very low levels of flu in the UK but flu activity has started earlier than normal this year so we are expecting to see more cases.
“Laboratory testing so far this year shows that the main strain circulating is a flu A (H3N2) Fujian-like strain. This is slightly different to the A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, which has been circulating in the UK in recent years. The current flu vaccine contains the Panama-like virus and is considered to offer some protection against the Fujian-like strain and good protection against other strains that may also circulate.
“When flu strains change over time, they are more likely to affect the young who will have less immunity to them. For this reason it is especially important for children over six months of age, who fall into the at-risk groups, to be vaccinated.”
The Department of Health has written to all doctors to make them aware of the current situation and remind them of the vaccination and treatment guidance.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 October 2005
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
17 January 2008
Fourth Swan Dies From Bird Flu Virus
The UK's defences against Bird Flu have been highlighted again with news that a fourth swan has now tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
Fourth Swan Dies From Bird Flu Virus
The UK's defences against Bird Flu have been highlighted again with news that a fourth swan has now tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
03 October 2005
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
25 May 2011
Young And Middle Aged 'Hit Hardest' By Flu This Winter
Young and middle aged adults bore the brunt of influenza this winter with more than 70 per cent of fatal cases hitting this age group, according to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in their annual flu report today.
Young And Middle Aged 'Hit Hardest' By Flu This Winter
Young and middle aged adults bore the brunt of influenza this winter with more than 70 per cent of fatal cases hitting this age group, according to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in their annual flu report today.
-
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.
