Vaccination advice
07/09/09

When can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine could be licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMeA) by early October. It will then take a week or two to distribute the vaccine across the country. The first people could start to receive the vaccine from the middle of October.  

Is there enough vaccine for everyone?
The NHS should receive enough vaccine for up to 30 million people, about half the population, by the end of this year. Not all of the vaccine will arrive at once, so we need to prioritise those who need it most. People at greater risk of becoming more seriously ill from swine flu will receive it first. Further supplies of vaccine will arrive next year.  

Who are the high risk groups?
People who are most at risk from swine flu and who will need to be vaccinated first are, in order of priority:
1.   People between six months and 65 years old who usually get the seasonal flu jab;
2.   Pregnant women. The EMeA license will indicate whether the vaccine can be given to all pregnant women or whether it should only be offered at certain stages of pregnancy;
3.   People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS;
4.   People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.  

Front line health and social care workers will also be offered the vaccine. They are both at an increased risk of catching swine flu and of spreading it to other at-risk patients.

Why aren’t all children included in the priority groups?
If a child has an underlying health condition and usually has the seasonal flu jab they will need to be vaccinated against swine flu. Otherwise, it is important that we prioritise those who need it most.  

If I am in a priority group, is it compulsory to be vaccinated?
No. The swine flu vaccine is voluntary. However, we strongly encourage everyone in a high risk group to have it. Ultimately, it is down to an individual to decide whether they, or any children in their care, have a vaccine or not. This is the same for all vaccines, not just swine flu.  

How do I know if I am in a priority group?
You can find further information about high-risk groups on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. If you are in a high-risk group, your GP will write to you about getting the vaccine.  

What is a ‘household contact’?
If you live with someone whose immune system is compromised, such as someone with cancer or HIV/AIDS, then you are classified as a ‘household contact’. It is important that you have the vaccine to help protect the at-risk person you live with.  

When will everyone else who isn’t in a priority group receive the vaccine?
It is important that we focus on those people most at risk from swine flu first. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is looking at whether we need to extend the vaccination programme beyond the priority groups.  

I’ve already had swine flu. Do I still need to be vaccinated?
You can only be certain that you’ve had swine flu if it was confirmed by a laboratory test. Otherwise, you may have had normal flu or something else. Unless you know for sure that you had swine flu, and are in one of the high risk groups listed, you should have the vaccination.

Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. People will only be vaccinated after it has been tested and licensed by the European Medicine Agency (EMeA).  

Will the vaccine give me swine flu?
No. The vaccine does not carry a ‘live’ virus so it can’t give you swine flu.  

Does the vaccine have any side effects?
Aside from a slightly sore arm some people may experience mild fever up to 48 hours. This happens as their immune system responds to the vaccine, but it’s not flu.  As with most vaccines, the most common side effects are a mild fever, general aches and pains, a rash and feeling tired. These will usually go away within a day or two.  

Can I have the swine flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes. The swine flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines including the seasonal flu jab.

I’m in a high-risk group. When can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine could be licensed by the beginning of October. It will then take a week or two to distribute the vaccine across the country. The first people could therefore start to receive the vaccine by the middle of October.  

Where can I get the swine flu vaccine?
This will be the largest national vaccination programme since the 1950s. We are currently discussing the best way of organising the vaccination plan with the British Medical Association and NHS organisations. We will announce details of the plan in the coming weeks.  

I’m worried about swine flu but I’m not in a priority group – what do I do?
People in the priority groups are more at risk of becoming seriously ill from swine flu. Most other people will only have mild symptoms. If you think that you might have swine flu, stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemic flu or call 0800 1 513 100. They can give you advice and, if necessary, provide you with antiviral drugs.


Flu Friends 
22/07/09

You may be aware that the number of people affected daily by swine flu is increasing across the country. Some areas have been more affected than others. Although the virus is in a relatively mild form, the winter months could bring a new wave of the virus which could cause increased concern.  

The NHS and other agencies have been preparing for just such a ‘pandemic’ for years. Because of the recent and rapid spread of the virus we are now in what is termed the ‘Treatment Phase’ of our pandemic plans. This means that people with diagnosed swine flu by the GP, and especially those that have a chronic health condition, will be offered antiviral medication. To help you access these drugs and supplies we are asking everyone in North East Lincolnshire to identify a ‘Flu Friend or Friends’.

What is a Flu Friend?
A flu friend is someone who can collect the antiviral on your behalf when you are ill and pick up other supplies, like shopping, if needed. That will prevent you having to go out when you are ill and will help limit further spread of the virus.     

Why do I need a Flu Friend/what do they need to do?
National and international organisations are taking the spread of pandemic flu very seriously.  Although the virus is mild at the moment it is possible that a stronger, more widespread version of the virus could follow in the winter months so, locally, we need to be prepared.  Flu Friends can collect medicines and food supplies for those who are ill. 

Who could be my Flu Friend?
Anyone you trust and feel happy to share your personal details with. For example, a relative, friend, neighbour or carer.

When do I need to get a Flu Friend?
No time like the present. You can identify a group of Flu Friends today. It is important to plan ahead. 

How many Flu Friends do I need?
At least one but it’s a good idea to identify about five Flu Friends – in case those identified become ill too. 

What if I can’t identify a Flu Friend?
Some local groups/volunteers may be setting up networks to become Flu Friends.  If you do not have a Flu Friend, think about contacting:
Local churches / other faith groups
Town / parish councils
Community groups 

What if my Flu Friend is ill?
It is possible your Flu Friend could become ill too.  That is why it’s important to have more than one Flu Friend.   

Can children be Flu Friends?
Flu Friends need to over 16 years of age. They may need to travel by bus or car to collect medicines/supplies, so it might be best to identify people who can travel independently.   

Could my Flu Friend catch the flu from me?
Yes - there is a small chance that Flu Friends could catch flu from those they are helping. The risk can be reduced by keeping at arms length, washing hands regularly and following the practice of ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’. This is important advice for everyone; not just Flu Friends and flu patients.   

What sort of identification will a Flu Friend need to collect my antiviral drugs? 
It’s essential they have with them some form of ID from you and some for themselves.  For example:   

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Paid utility bill (not less than 6 months)
• Building society/national savings book
• Cheque guarantee/credit card/debit card
• Cheque book
• Credit card statement (not older than 6 months)
• Council tax payment book
• Birth/marriage certificate
• Military ID
• Trade Union card
• Standard Acknowledgement letter (SLA) issued by Home Office for Asylum seekers
• Child benefit letter
• Parent held record (red book)
• NHS card
• Healthcare professional registration number and ID
• Pension/benefit book

 Why does my Flu Friend also need ID?
This is to ensure they are who they say they are when they collect your anti viral medicine. 

Should I pass any information to others about my Flu Friend?
Your Flu Friend will need your first and last name to collect your antiviral medicines from a pharmacy on your behalf. Should there be need to treat lots more people, antiviral collection points will be opened in a number of places. These will be different from pharmacies. 

Does my Flu Friend have to pay for my medicines?
No - the antiviral medicine for swine flu is free. 

How will my Flu Friend know where to collect my medicine from?
If you are diagnosed with swine flu, you and your Flu Friend will be told which pharmacy (or antiviral collection point) to attend. 

What do I need to do now?

• Identify your Flu Friend/s – make sure they are happy to assist you.
• Make a list of your Flu Friends’ names and telephone numbers.
• Make sure you have other useful numbers to hand: NHS Direct, National Flu helpline number, pharmacy, GP.
• Keep supplies of other things you may need: flu remedies, food/fluids, supplies of tissues, your regular prescription medications.
• Make sure you have some of the correct forms of identification to hand (as listed on previous page).
• Think about family and those living near you who may need help or a Flu Friend.

 You can access more information on Swine Flu and the role of the Flu Friend at the Department of Health’s web site www.dh.gov.uk  or at NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx Or telephone: National Flu Helpline on: 0800 1 513 513NHS Direct: 0845 4647