'GPs can get swine flu vaccine'

[Posted: Fri 30/10/2009 by Niall Hunter, Editor]

It is permissible for GPs to have themselves vaccinated against swine flu where there is spare vaccine available, according to the Irish College of General Practitioners.

GPs are the main providers in the H1N1 vaccination programme, which is officially starting on Monday, with 2,300 doctors now signed up for the scheme, according to the HSE.

However, healthcare workers are not currently in the first cohort of at-risk patients targeted for the vaccine. At present the vaccine is for chronic disease patients under 65 and pregnant women.

Dr Mel Bates, spokesman for the ICGP, told irishhealth.com said that although GPs or their practice nurses would not be in the designated group of vaccinees at present, it would be morally acceptable , if at the end of a clinic there was spare vaccine available, for them to get the vaccine.

He stressed, however, that under no circumstances would a GP avail of the vaccine ahead of someone in the initial at-risk group.

Dr Bates said it could be the case that after a vaccination session in a GP surgery, due to one or two patients not turning up, there might be spare vaccines, which would only have a 24-hour shelf life once taken out of the fridge in any case.

He said only in these circumstances, but only under those conditions, would it be morally acceptable for GPs or practice nurses to avail of the vaccine.

An infectious disease specialist, Prof Colm Bergin, earlier this week  told irishhealth.com that it was very important for healthcare workers to get vaccinated, and said they should have been included in the first cohort of vaccine recipients.

He said Medical Council guidelines stress that doctors have an obligation to prevent transmission of infectious diseases to their patients.

Some GPs are already giving the swine flu vaccine to chronic disease and pregnant patients as they receive batches of it, although the official campaign doesn't start until Monday.

Dr Bates said the ICGP is stressing that GPs are in favour of the vaccination programme and the majority of them are taking part in the scheme.

He said while there had been some concerns initially about the short notice given to GPs about the scheme and on issues such as workload and indemnity, "we need to act decisively now to protect the health of our patients."

The HSE has said 2,300 GPs are now ready to take part in the scheme.

Dr Bates said he was surprised yesterday's reported figure was so high at this stage, as he had heard that some GPs had not yet signed up or were hesitating to do so. However, if it was accurate this was positive news, as it would represent most GPs in Ireland.

He said GPs were currently vaccinating the at-risk patients opportunistically;, that is, if they presented for a normal consultation,or after they had booked an appointment for the vaccine with the practice.

The HSE clinics which will operate form Monday will also take bookings or can provide a walk-in service if necessary.

It is likely to be some weeks before other at-risk groups - healthcare workers, children and the over 65s, will be included in the vaccine scheme.

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Anonymous  Posted: 05/11/2009 12:02

Well I am delighted to hear it - the last thing we need is a GP getting it from an infected patient and speading it to other paties who are already sick with an existing complaint.

helen  Posted: 06/11/2009 17:05

my father is 75 with one lung and he has cancer in that well the hse may not think him important enough to get the jab as he is over 65 but I am very angry he isimportant to us his family and friends,how can they put an age limit on helping the most needy to get the swine flu jab. I think all doctors who want it should have it as it makes more sense for them not to catch it andbe out of work, I would like to hear others view on what I have said.

fioc  Posted: 06/11/2009 18:54

Agree totally.... Can i ask if household contacts of diabetic patients should be vaccinated now? ....someone mentioned this to me....?

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