Calming fears over swine flu vaccine

THE North West’s top doctor has moved to calm fears raised by Sky News about the safety of the GSK swine flu vaccine Pandemrix for pregnant women.
Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director for Public Health said: “We’ve been having discussions with colleagues here in the region and at a national level following the story covered in Sky News.
“It is now clear that Sky is quoting an old story from the summer before the two swine flu vaccines had gone through the licensing process.
“The World Health Organisation subsequently issued a statement at the beginning of October that stated they support the use of vaccines as recommended by regulatory authorities and they note that the GSK vaccine Pandemrix has been licensed for use in pregnant women.”
Dr Hussey said she felt it important to clear up any confusion, as it has been revealed that in the USA hospitalisation rates for pregnant women with swine flu are four times those of the general population. It is expected that this same trend could be seen in this country as the flu pandemic progresses.
“We do not want to unduly alarm mums to be, but we know that because their immune systems are naturally suppressed during pregnancy, they could be more at risk of complications,” said Dr Hussey.
“The NHS already has a history of recommending vaccines for pregnant women when they are needed. Pregnant women routinely have the seasonal flu vaccine. There is evidence that vaccination could reduce the risk of influenza in mothers and their infants.
“As both the swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines use inactivated versions of the flu virus, adverse reactions are the same for pregnant women as they would be for non-pregnant women.
“It’s become a bit of an urban myth that one of the possible side-effects of having the flu vaccine is that you will get a mild dose of the flu. This is completely unfounded.”
Swine flu cases in the North West have gone up for the fifth week, with an increase in the number of people being treated in hospital with flu-like symptoms, but health leaders are reporting that the virus is mild to moderate for most people affected.
On October 14 the number of anti-virals collected in the North West was 1,693, up from 1,501 on October 7. The number of people being treated in hospital has gone up to 77 from 63 a week ago.
Dr Hussey repeated the message that practising good respiratory and hand hygiene is crucial to stopping the spread of the virus.
“We need everyone to be vigilant over the next few weeks,” said Dr Hussey. “Using disposable tissues when you cough and sneeze and washing your hands regularly will help to protect yourself, your family and friends and your colleagues.”
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.
People who have chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, are over 65, are pregnant, or have a child under one with symptoms should telephone your usual GP service rather than use the National Pandemic Flu Service.