Swine flu rate falls and pregnant first to get vaccine
Swine flu rate falls and pregnant first to get vaccine
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Thursday, 13, Aug 2009 05:46
The number of new people diagnosed with swine flu has fallen again this week, with the chief medical officer saying a vaccination campaign will start with pregnant women in the autumn.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) also said the number of GP consultation rates had decreased in England over the last week.
Reports have also said the chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson, has declared the vaccine for swine flu will be launched in the autumn, and those with underlying health conditions and pregnant women will be given the vaccination first.
The BBC reports that this October, people aged six months to 65-years-old in conventional at-risk groups for normal seasonal flu, such as those with diabetes or heart disease, will be first in line for the vaccine.
This will be followed by all pregnant women subject to licensing arrangements and better information on when in the pregnancy the vaccine should be given.
A statement from the HPA said: "The latest rates were reduced in all age groups. This coincided with the introduction of the National Pandemic Flu Service and school closures.
"On July 23rd the National Pandemic Flu Service was implemented. This had an impact on the number of 'cold/flu' calls received through the routine NHS Direct service so these data do not reflect the true pattern of cold/ flu callers.
"Disease severity continues to be monitored. The disease is generally mild in most people so far, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases."
The HPA confirmed there were 371 patients currently hospitalised in England with the virus. Forty-four people have died so far from swine flu.
However, the HPA did add: "In the last seven days, cases reported globally have increased by 11 per cent and the number of deaths by 27 per cent."