7,500 get flu jab in HSE clinics

[Posted: Wed 04/11/2009]

The HSE has said over over 7,500 people have been vaccinated against swine flu in HSE clinics from when they opened on Monday morning until mid-afternoon today.

As GPs are the primary source for people in the at-risk groups to receive a vaccine the number of people vaccinated in recent days is likely to be far higher than this number, the HSE said. There are as yet no estimations of how many people have been vaccinated by GPs.

The initial cohort of people targeted for the vaccine comprises those with chronic illnesses under the age of 65, women more than 14 weeks pregnant and very obese people. People in this cohort are asked to contact their GP or to book a visit to one of the HSE's vaccine clinics.

The HSE says GPs have been using their supplies of vaccines and the HSE’s "cold chain" delivery system has been delivering additional supplies to an average of 300 GPs around the country each day, which will continue this week and next week.

An additional five cold chain vehicles have been put on the road to assist with the delivery of vaccines to GPs, the HSE said.
 
In response to reports of over 65’s presenting at some clinics for vaccination, Dr Pat Doorley, of the HSE said as six months to 64 years with a chronic illness or those who are 14 weeks pregnant and up to six weeks after delivery should get the vaccine first as these are most at risk. There is evidence that those 65 years and older, even those with a long term illness, already have some immunity to this virus.”
 
A total of 13 adverse reactions had been reported to the Irish Medicines Board up to this afternoon, all believed to be mild reactions.
 
Details of vaccine clinic locations are now available from your GP, or from the HSE website – www.swineflu.ie or from the HSE Flu line on 1800 94 11 00.

See also our updated swine flu Q&A here