Menu
19/08/2009
Swine Flu Vaccine 'Mistrusted By Nurses'
A poll has this week shown that almost a third of nurses will refuse the offer of immunisation against swine flu.
The vital front-line medical staff are worried because they have fears about the vaccine's safety, according to a new survey.
The initial response from what is in fact one of the government's priority groups for vaccination this autumn, was dismissed by the Department of Health, however, as irresponsible and ill-informed.
The apparent reluctance to be among the first to receive the new vaccine emerged in a survey of 1,500 nurses carried out by the weekly Nursing Times.
Overall, 30% of respondents to the magazine's online questionnaire replied 'no' when asked if they would seek to be immunised when the vaccine became available; only 37% said 'yes', while a further 33% remained answered 'maybe'.
The opinion poll, released less than a week after the health department revealed its timetable for immunisation, appears to reflect anxieties about receiving a vaccine not yet licensed for public use.
That approval is expected to be given by the European Medicines Agency by the end of September or early October.
Of those who said they would not get vaccinated, 60% told Nursing Times that their reluctance was due to concerns about the safety of the vaccine.
A further 31% of respondents said they did not consider the risks to their health from swine flu to be great enough; 9% thought they would not be able to take the time out of work to be immunised.
But the UK's Health Department said there were many misconceptions that needed to be addressed.
Professor David Salisbury, the Department of Health's Director of Immunisation, said it was unfortunate that nurses could "knowingly leave themselves at risk".
"They have a duty to themselves, they are at risk. They have a duty to their patients not to infect their patients and they have a duty to their families. I think you solve those responsibilities by being vaccinated.
"The evidence that we've had is sufficient to persuade the regulators that these are vaccines that will be licensed."
The official body, the Royal College of Nursing also supported the drive to immunisation. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive, said: "The NHS Occupational Health Service and other community health services must ensure that getting vaccinated is as simple a process as possible. Health staff and patients suffer when nurses are off sick, so it is important that nurses do all they can to prevent themselves becoming ill."
(BMcC/KMcA)
The vital front-line medical staff are worried because they have fears about the vaccine's safety, according to a new survey.
The initial response from what is in fact one of the government's priority groups for vaccination this autumn, was dismissed by the Department of Health, however, as irresponsible and ill-informed.
The apparent reluctance to be among the first to receive the new vaccine emerged in a survey of 1,500 nurses carried out by the weekly Nursing Times.
Overall, 30% of respondents to the magazine's online questionnaire replied 'no' when asked if they would seek to be immunised when the vaccine became available; only 37% said 'yes', while a further 33% remained answered 'maybe'.
The opinion poll, released less than a week after the health department revealed its timetable for immunisation, appears to reflect anxieties about receiving a vaccine not yet licensed for public use.
That approval is expected to be given by the European Medicines Agency by the end of September or early October.
Of those who said they would not get vaccinated, 60% told Nursing Times that their reluctance was due to concerns about the safety of the vaccine.
A further 31% of respondents said they did not consider the risks to their health from swine flu to be great enough; 9% thought they would not be able to take the time out of work to be immunised.
But the UK's Health Department said there were many misconceptions that needed to be addressed.
Professor David Salisbury, the Department of Health's Director of Immunisation, said it was unfortunate that nurses could "knowingly leave themselves at risk".
"They have a duty to themselves, they are at risk. They have a duty to their patients not to infect their patients and they have a duty to their families. I think you solve those responsibilities by being vaccinated.
"The evidence that we've had is sufficient to persuade the regulators that these are vaccines that will be licensed."
The official body, the Royal College of Nursing also supported the drive to immunisation. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive, said: "The NHS Occupational Health Service and other community health services must ensure that getting vaccinated is as simple a process as possible. Health staff and patients suffer when nurses are off sick, so it is important that nurses do all they can to prevent themselves becoming ill."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
11 January 2005
Continuing concerns over use of mobile phones: Report
A major document published by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), has again raised the question of whether or not mobile phones are harmful.
Continuing concerns over use of mobile phones: Report
A major document published by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), has again raised the question of whether or not mobile phones are harmful.
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.
15 May 2009
Government Takes Steps To Begin Flu Vaccination
Agreements have been signed between the UK government and vaccine manufactures to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 vaccine, the Department of Health has announced today.
Government Takes Steps To Begin Flu Vaccination
Agreements have been signed between the UK government and vaccine manufactures to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 vaccine, the Department of Health has announced today.
15 October 2009
Mums-In-Wating Get Unproved Flu Jab
It has emerged that pregnant women are to get a form of swine flu vaccine that is not recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine Pandemrix, which makes up the bulk of NHS supply, contains a chemical called an adjuvant that has never been tested on mums-to-be.
Mums-In-Wating Get Unproved Flu Jab
It has emerged that pregnant women are to get a form of swine flu vaccine that is not recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine Pandemrix, which makes up the bulk of NHS supply, contains a chemical called an adjuvant that has never been tested on mums-to-be.
-
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.
