Don't give up on flu vaccine (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich people warned to have flu vaccine

8:00am Wednesday 10th February 2010 in News

DESPITE the decline in swine flu cases, health leaders have underlined the importance of vaccines against the virus.

Dr Ruth Hussey, north west regional director for public health, said: “It looks like cases of swine flu are now on the decline, which is fantastic news. But I’m concerned that this might put off some people who should get the vaccine from doing so.

"The virus is still circulating, and if people with conditions such as asthma, heart and lung disease, with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant, catch the virus, they can become seriously ill.”

Figures show that 44 people across the north west have died as a result of the virus, since the outbreak of swine flu in April last year.

The majority of these people have had underlying health conditions, but north west health officials are urging those who are eligible to have the swine flu jab as soon as possible.

Dr Hussey, added: “The swine flu vaccine really is the best protection if you have an underlying health condition.”

Young children are particularly at risk of developing complications if they contract the virus, with north west GP practices rolling out the vaccine to children aged over six months and under five years.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1513 513 for information or 0800 1513 100 for treatment.