Swine flu vaccine available

Parents of young people aged from six months to five years are encouraged to take their children for the swine flu vaccination.Doctors are encouraging parents and guardians in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area, that the vaccine is safe and for all children aged six months to five years.

Dr. Tim Morton, a GP in Beccles Medical Center, said: "Most parents recognize that this is a safe and tested vaccine and children are most affected by this virus.

"The swine flu pandemic has fortunately not been as bad as initially feared, but in a few deaths and many hospitalizations in this age group, and probably allowed the virus in the community for many months if not years, it seems wise and offer reasonable, the protection for this age group. "

The vaccine is aimed at all surgeries available following a local agreement between doctor and Primary Care Trust, NHS Yarmouth and Waveney, the jab offer to the thousands of children in the age group.

Dr. Shamsher Diu, Public Health Consultant for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: "In line with the Department of Health guidance, we are rolling out the swine flu vaccination for children between six months and five years earlier this year at age began.

"I would urge all parents and carers with children under five years old ask your doctor to contact and book an appointment for vaccination. It is really important to protect the health of your child, your health and the health of people in your area . Remember, if you do not catch flu to pigs, you can not to anyone else!

"Family doctors have enough vaccine for everyone in the priority groups and order additional supplies as and when they need it."The Health Ministry has confirmed the priority groups for vaccine: Persons over six months old and are under 65 years in the current seasonal influenza vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

Pregnant women.

Household contacts of people with weakened immune systems such as people in close and regular contact with the patient on the treatment of cancer.

Persons aged 65 and over in the current seasonal influenza vaccine clinical at-risk groups. This does not include the otherwise healthy 65-year-olds, since they seem to have a natural immunity to the virus.

Children aged six months to five years.

Anyone who has flu-like symptoms are not to contact his family doctor, but instead the ring of the National Pandemic Influenza Service on 0800 1513100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk / pandemicflu.

To avoid catching flu or seasonal flu pigs using a tissue to catch sneezes, you dispose of the used tissue, where germs can linger and wash hands regularly.