National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) to close
February 5, 2010

The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) will be closing effective from 1am Thursday 11 February 2010.

 

The NPFS has been very successful in easing pressure on primary care services during the busiest times of the swine flu pandemic, allowing GPs to focus on those most ill and ensuring people get access to antivirals when they need them. However, with indicators showing that NHS pressures from swine flu are now less than half what they were 2 weeks prior to the NPFS being switched on, and in consultation with stakeholders, it has been decided to stand down the NPFS.

 

Both the web and phone service of the NPFS will be discontinued simultaneously. The swine flu information line will continue to operate and will provide recorded information messages, directing people to contact their GPs if appropriate and giving information about swine flu and self-care.

 

From February 11 onwards, antivirals will only be authorised via health care professionals. When the online and telephone systems are switched off, people with suspected flu should contact their GP, who will authorise antivirals if required. Antivirals will still be available through antiviral collections points as they are currently (a full list of these can be viewed on the CTP website at www.nelctp.nhs.uk/swineflu)

 

The priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk form the pandemic, as people are still in hospital from swine flu and sadly some have died. Experts advise that it likely that pandemic H1N1 will be the predominant flu virus in the 2010 influenza season.

 

Dr Tony Hill, director of public health, said: “Our priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk from the pandemic, as people are still in hospital from swine flu and sadly some have died. However, we are now working to manage the transition back to business as usual, given the reduction in the number of cases of swine flu, and the need to make sure our response to the pandemic remains proportionate.”

 

“I strongly advise that those eligible for the vaccine who have not yet had it, get the jab and protect themselves against further waves of the virus that have been predicted for autumn 2010.”


Swine flu information sheets for foreign nationals in the UK
January 21, 2010

A summary of current information on swine flu can now be accessed for or by people who cannot speak or read English. Leaflets are available to download from the direct gov site at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831

Swine Flu Vaccination Programme for Children over six months and under 5 years of age
Januray 7, 2010

The national Swine Flu Vaccination Programme was extended to children aged between six months and five years old in December 2009.

Extending the vaccination programme to young children is supported by the panel of experts that provide advice on vaccination issues - the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. This is because children under five years of age are more likely than other groups to be hospitalised if they become ill with swine flu.

Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said: "Vaccination remains a personal choice, but I urge everyone who is offered the vaccine to accept it and protect themselves.

"While the risks of serious complications from flu may be small, the impact on those affected can be devastating."

Dr Tony Hill, director of public health, said: "I would advise all parents whose children are offered the vaccine to take it up.

"The vaccine has been rigorously tested and any side effects are usually very mild. Any side effects have to be considered against the potentially serious effects of the swine flu itself if children catch it. We are expecting a third wave of swine flu in the autumn of this year.

"If you have any concerns about receiving the vaccine, you can talk to your GP or practice nurse."

Whilst national media press statements have advised that parents of children this age should wait to be contacted by their local GP, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus have put local plans into place to vaccinate this group.

Most children will be vaccinated at their local GP practices, however alternative arrangements have been made in some areas, all families will be contacted directly with details of arrangements.

For more information on the swine flu vaccination programme for young children, follow the link below to download the ‘swine flu vaccination: information for parents’ leaflet:

http://www.nelctp.nhs.uk/swineflu/publications/default.aspx

Vaccination Programme:
October 29, 2009

The national swine flu vaccination programme started recently when the first batch of vaccines was delivered to NHS acute trusts across the country. This batch of vaccines is being used for protecting frontline staff and patients in at-risk groups in hospitals. Around two million frontline health and social care workers are being offered the vaccine. 

Chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said, “Vaccination will ensure protection of the clinical risk groups, and frontline health and social care workers. Not only will vaccination help staff protect themselves, their patients, colleagues and families, it will reduce demand on critical care which is likely to come under heavy pressure during the months ahead.”

Who will be vaccinated?
The clinical high risk groups were identified by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). These groups have been prioritised as they are at a greater risk of complications from swine flu, and hence the initial focus is on protecting individuals in these groups. GP practices will initiate swine flu vaccination sessions as soon as they receive the vaccine.  

In order of priority, the high risk groups are:
1. People aged six months to 65 years, who normally get the seasonal flu jab;
2. Pregnant women;
3. Household contacts of people having weak immune systems;
4. People aged 65 and over, who normally get the seasonal flu jab. This does notinclude otherwise healthy over-65s; 

Frontline health and social care staff will be the first to be offered the vaccine.  

Dr Tony Hill, director of public health, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus said: “It is likely that some people will fall in two or more of the above groups. Front line health and social care workers will be vaccinated alongside the above high risk groups.  

“The swine flu vaccine is voluntary. However, we strongly encourage everyone in a high risk group, including all frontline NHS staff, to have it. Ultimately, it is down to an individual to decide whether they, or any children in their care, have the vaccine or not. This is the same for all vaccines, not just swine flu.” 

Frontline health and social care staff
Staff who will be invited to have the vaccine include everyone who has regular clinical contact with patients and those who are directly involved in patient care. This includes doctors, dentists, midwives, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers, occupational therapists and radiographers, for example. Students and trainees in these disciplines, and volunteers working with patients will also be included. 

Eligibility is not about a person’s job title, but the work they are doing, i.e., if a person is providing frontline healthcare, they should have the vaccine. 

In North East Lincolnshire, the following practices will be providing staff vaccinations:
Fieldhouse, Freshney Green Primary Care Centre
Ashwood, Weelsby View Primary Care Centre
Dr Sharma practice, North Sea Lane
Roxton Practice, Immingham  

It is safe for people to carry on with normal duties after they’ve had the vaccine. The vaccines contain inactivated forms of the virus, so they do not make the person infectious. 

It is expected that this swine flu vaccine will provide protection against swine flu for several years after vaccination. However, it is important to stress, the swine flu vaccine will ONLY protect against this particular flu strain. Those who normally get the seasonal flu vaccine must continue to have their annual seasonal flu jab in order to be protected from the ‘normal’ seasonal flu. 

When will the vaccine be available?
Phyllis Cole, swine flu vaccination lead for North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, said: “The delivery of vaccines to GP surgeries has started. It will take around 3-4 weeks to complete the distribution of first supplies to all practices.  

“The UK has purchased two different swine flu vaccines, Pandemrix (from GSK) and Celvapan (from Baxter). Both have been licensed for use by the European Commission. Information on the vaccines and their licenses are on the EMEA website (see www.emea.europa.eu)  

“Baxter and GSK have different methods of producing the vaccine. The main difference is in the way the virus used in the vaccine is produced.  

“The virus for the Pandemrix is prepared in hens’ eggs, the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. Celvapan is made from virus that is grown in cultured cells. 

“These vaccines have undergone clinical trials involving many thousands of people, including the elderly and young children, which showed these vaccines are generally safe and effective.” 

Previous studies have also shown that changing the strain of virus in a vaccine does not substantially affect its safety profile. These extensive trials therefore strongly suggest that the new swine flu vaccines carry a very low risk.  The Department of Health will continue with clinical trials involving the swine flu vaccine to monitor for any sign of rare side effects.

But the evidence that is currently available suggests that the risk of a serious reaction is extremely small, and outweighed by the risk of falling seriously ill from the virus itself. 

Exceptions:
There are very few people who cannot receive swine flu vaccines. The vaccine should not be given to people who have had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine or a component of the vaccine.  

Phyllis Cole explained: “Pandemrix is not suitable for individuals, including children, with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction (shock or acute difficulty in breathing) after egg containing products; they should receive Celvapan. It should, however, be given to individuals, including children, with less severe allergic reactions to egg.  

“Pandemrix and Celvapan can be co-administered with all other vaccines, including seasonal flu and childhood vaccines.” 

Some porcine products are used in the manufacturing process of the Baxter vaccine. However, there are no detectable traces of these products in the vaccine itself. Pandemrix does not contain porcine products. For more advice on vaccines and faith groups, please see:www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Library/Search?stags=&terms=porcine  

Children and young people
JCVI confirmed its earlier advice that Pandemrix should be the vaccine of choice for children and young people up to 18 years of age. This is because currently there is no paediatric data available for Celvapan.  People who have had laboratory confirmed swine flu infection do not need to be vaccinated although, the vaccine can be given to these individuals with no ill effects.  

Pregnant women
Pandemrix can be given to pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccination as we know they are particularly vulnerable to the swine flu virus.  Indeed, figures from the US have shown that pregnant women are four times more likely to develop serious complications from swine flu and four to five times more likely to be hospitalised. 

Expert scientific advice is clear that thiomersal-containing vaccines do not present a risk to pregnant women or their baby.

Seasonal flu Vs swine flu:
The seasonal flu campaign will continue as normal. Some surgeries have already started conducting sessions for their seasonal flu vaccination. The swine flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine. 

Swine flu is a new virus which means most people don’t have any inbuilt resistance to it. People who never normally get ill from seasonal flu may therefore get sick from swine flu. It has been seen that swine flu can lead to serious complications. The most severe cases tend to involve people with underlying health conditions, but even among healthy people, swine flu has the potential to be a dangerous disease.

*****

Active Antiviral Collection Points
September 1, 2009

Eleven pharmacies in the North East Lincolnshire area have been designated as antiviral collection points. Details of these are given below.  

Antiviral Collection Point	Opening times:
BOOTS THE CHEMIST 43 Friargate Freshney Place GRIMSBY, DN31 1EL 01472 357063	Mon - Sat: 08.30 – 17.30 Sun: 10.30 - 16.30
TESCO (GRIMSBY) Market Street GRIMSBY, DN31 1QS 01472 623447	Mon: 08.00 – 22.30 Tue – Fri: 06.30 - 22.30 Sat: 06.30 - 22.00 Sun: 11.00 – 17.00
LLOYDS PHARMACY 18a Dudley Street GRIMSBY, DN31 2AB 01472 241769	Mon – Fri: 08.30 - 18.30 Sat & Sun: Closed
LLOYDS PHARMACY 168c Sutcliffe Avenue Nunsthorpe GRIMSBY, DN33 1HA 01472 879568	Mon – Fri: 09.00 - 18.00 Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 Sun: Closed
E A BROADBURN 34-36 Louth Road Scartho GRIMSBY, DN33 2EP 01472 879181	Mon – Wed: 09.00 - 17.30 Thu: 09.00 - 13.00 Fri: 09.00 - 17.30 Sat: 09.00 - 12.00 Sun: Closed
LLOYDS PHARMACY 208 Littlecoates Road Bradley Crossroads GRIMSBY, DN34 5SU 01472 871112	Mon - Fri: 9.00 - 18.00 Sat: 09.00 - 17.30 Sun: Closed
LINCOLN CO-OP 121 Grimsby Road CLEETHORPES, DN35 7DG 01472 343155	Mon – Fri: 09.00 - 18.00 Sat: 09.00 - 12.30 Sun: Closed
LLOYDS PHARMACY 53-55 Fieldhouse Road Humberston GRIMSBY, DN36 4UJ 01472 812323	Mon – Fri: 08.30 - 17.30 Sat: 08.30 - 17.00 Sun: Closed
COTTINGHAM CHEMIST 41 High Street Waltham GRIMSBY, DN37 0LJ 01472 230042	Mon – Fri: 08.45 - 17.30 Sat: 08.45 - 17.00 Sun: Closed
LLOYDS PHARMACY 8 Caistor Road LACEBY, DN37 7HX 01472 753375	Mon –Tue: 08.30 - 13.00 & 14.00 - 18.30 Wed: 08.30 - 13.00 Thu – Fri: 08.30 - 13.00 & 14.00 - 18.30 Sat & Sun: Closed
LLOYDS PHARMACY 33 - 35 Kennedy Way IMMINGHAM, DN40 2AB 01469 572699	Mon – Fri: 9.00 - 18.00 Sat: 9.00 - 17.00 Sun: Closed

 


































































Swine Flu vaccination priority groups announced
18/08/09

Health Secretary Andy Burnham has announced the priority groups for vaccination against swine flu, following advice from independent scientific experts.  

Dr Tony Hill, Director of Public Health, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, said:  
“The UK will be one of the first countries in the world to receive a supply of the swine flu vaccine. Groups that are most vulnerable to this new strain of influenza need to be prioritised in order to reduce the rate or possibility of serious illness. These groups have now been identified and will clearly benefit from the vaccine at an early opportunity."  

The following groups will be prioritised in this order:  

1. People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. Pregnant women
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups. This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

 The vaccination programme is expected to begin in the autumn. People in the priority groups above do not need to take any action yet. Further announcements will be made and people who need the vaccine will be contacted.

Vaccination of frontline health and social care workers will begin at the same time as the first at-risk group, and will continue for as long as necessary. This group is at increased risk of infection and of transmitting that infection to susceptible patients. Protecting these people will help the NHS workforce to remain resilient and able to treat sick patients.   

Decisions on vaccinating the wider healthy population will depend on the evolution of the pandemic as well as new and emerging clinical data on the use of the vaccine. This will be kept under close review.

 

National Pandemic Flu Service goes live

A new self-care service, which will give people with swine flu symptoms fast access to antiviral medication, was launched today by Health Secretary, Andy Burnham.  

The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) is a new dedicated website (www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu) and phone line (0800 1513 100 or 08000 1513 200 (textphone)) for people to check their symptoms and get a unique number which will give them access to antiviral medication, if necessary. 

Dr Tony Hill, Director of Public Health said:
“People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and informed of their nearest anti viral collection point. They will be required to provide identification details for themselves and a flu friend – a friend or relative - who will then be required to collect the antiviral from the recommended collection point. 

The authorisation number and ID information will be checked at the collection point to make sure it matches the information provided during the assessment of symptoms.”  

Anyone who suspects they have swine flu are advised not to go to their GP or A&E. People should only contact their doctor rather than using the NPFS if:

• They have a serious underlying illness
• They are pregnant
• They have a sick child under 1 yr old
• Their condition suddenly gets much worse or
• Their condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 days for a child)

Health Secretary, Andy Burnham said:
“The National Pandemic Flu Service will give patients access to information and antivirals as quickly as possible. It will free up GPs so they can focus their efforts on helping those in at risk groups and patients with other illnesses.

“People can still speak to their GP if they are concerned. In fact - it is important to stress that people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and parents with children under the age of one should speak to their GP if they have symptoms.

“For the vast majority of people, swine flu has been mild. Some people find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over the counter flu medication.”

Up to two thousand call operators will be trained for a minimum of three hours. Less experienced call operators will be trained for a day. Strict industry standard regulations are in place when employing staff. These include the right to work in the UK (therefore no illegal immigrants), satisfactory employment references and satisfactory character references.

Doctors from the Royal College of General Practitioners will have a special liaison role with each of these call centres and will feed back problems or concerns that arise during the operation of the service.

As swine flu spreads, it is important to be able to recognise its symptoms. People who have two of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38° C and above or feels hot may have swine flu.

The typical symptoms are:
•         sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above), and
•         sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:
•         headache,
•         tiredness,
•         chills,
•         aching muscles,
•         limb or joint pain,
•         diarrhoea or stomach upset,
•         sore throat,
•         runny nose,
•         sneezing,
•         loss of appetite.



What makes this virus different to the normal seasonal flu virus? 

Well, it is a new flu virus which has not been present in the human population before. Kay Crawford of the Health Protection Agency says, “Swine flu is no more aggressive than any other kind of influenza. The only reason it is affecting more people than a normal flu virus, is because it is new and none of us have any immunity to it yet.” 

We therefore now have the first flu pandemic since 1968. A flu pandemic simply means that an influenza virus, new to humans, has appeared, is spreading and is causing disease in many parts of the world. 

In the past few weeks, increasing numbers of people across the UK have developed swine flu and we have had our cases in North East Lincolnshire. The symptoms to look out for are a temperature of 38C (around 100F) or above along with two or more symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, severe tiredness, loss of appetite, pain in muscles and joints or headaches.  If you suspect that you have these symptoms you should stay at home and check your symptoms online at www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.  If someone suspected as having flu is pregnant, very young, over 65, or has long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes then they should phone their GP to arrange to obtain antivirals.   

Ten pharmacies in North East Lincolnshire are available for the distribution of antiviral drugs when a person has been diagnosed by their GP as having swine flu.   

Although a vaccine isn’t available yet, it is now under development and is expected to arrive by the end of August. Initially, the vaccine may only be available in limited quantities so the plan is to vaccinate high risk groups such as those with long term conditions, the old and the very young as a priority and then extend it to the rest of the population, as and when the vaccine becomes available. People will need to receive two dosages of the vaccine with an interval of at least three weeks in between.  We anticipate that those who receive the normal seasonal flu vaccination will be able to receive the swine flu vaccination at the same time with separate injections in each arm.    

What can and can’t I do? 

Since it has been discovered that swine flu is a mild condition in the vast majority of cases, there hasn’t been the necessity to impose any vital restrictions on daily activities as yet. However, precautions are strongly advised. 

• Try to avoid sharing common vessels for food and drink. It will only increase the chances of spreading the virus.
• The situation is not as serious to warrant the prohibition of mass gatherings such as concerts, public meetings or any other mass events. However, it is important that those attending these events should continue to adopt good hygiene measures.
• Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork and pork products.
• According to Department of Health guidelines, some pregnant women who have swine flu, may develop certain complications (including pneumonia). These complications are more likely in the second and third trimester, but most pregnant women who catch the virus are likely to make an uncomplicated recovery. They are advised to observe good hand hygiene and stay away as much as possible from people with flu-like symptoms.
• Travellers should continue to be aware of the risk of swine flu and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms during their stay abroad should contact a health professional.
• Anyone who becomes ill on the flight home should alert cabin crew to their symptoms. The airline will advise port health officials that a passenger may need treatment. 
• Travellers returning home who become unwell with flu-like symptoms within seven days of their return should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct.
• British Nationals are recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  They should clarify any exclusions to coverage, including that the policy covers for all the activities the traveller wants to undertake. The Swine Flu page on the FCO website (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu) and the more general Travel Insurance page on the FCO website (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/travel-insurance/) provide additional information.