Importance of swine flu vaccinations for under 5’s highlighted

NHS Suffolk is reminding parents of children aged between 6 months and 5 years of the importance of vaccinating their children against swine flu.

Although cases of swine flu are falling significantly throughout the county, vaccination remains particularly important as a higher number of children from this age group have been admitted to hospital after falling ill with swine flu.

Since the beginning of the year GPs throughout Suffolk have been contacting parents asking them to bring their eligible children to the doctor’s surgery for vaccination.

NHS Suffolk’s Director of Public Health, Peter Bradley said:
“Although there are fewer cases of swine flu at the moment, it has not gone away and it is likely that the swine flu virus will be the main cause of flu in 2010. Some groups are very much at risk for developing more severe disease. Being vaccinated greatly reduces risk from disease and the likelihood they will spread the virus to others. I would strongly advise anyone who is contacted by their doctor to accept the invitation for vaccination.”

For more information on swine flu vaccination please visit: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
Or call: 0800 1 513 513