12 November 2009
Between 80% and 90% of pupils from the schools visited by Public Health staff yesterday (11 November) have been vaccinated against swine flu. This was the first day of the schools’ vaccination programme.
However, swine flu cases are rising rapidly. 23 new cases were confirmed yesterday of which 18 are children. 2 children have also been admitted to the General Hospital with suspected swine flu. Their condition is described as stable but they are being monitored closely.
Consultant Paediatrician Dr Mark Jones said: “I am concerned that 2 Island children are now in the hospital suspected of having swine flu. The school vaccination programme is our main line of defence against further serious illness in children as a result of catching swine flu.”
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, said about the vaccination programme: “I’m absolutely delighted with the uptake so far and pleased so many parents agreed to their child being vaccinated.”
With regard to the sharp rise in cases, Consultant in Communicable Diseases, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: “Outbreaks are likely in our schools from this week. We will be going into the 5 schools currently affected today to offer Tamiflu and advice to parents of children who have been in contact with pupils confirmed as having swine flu. We will continue to do all we can to contain the virus until children in all schools and nurseries have been vaccinated.”
Dr Geller added: “The schools’ vaccination programme is a huge logistical challenge and I’m extremely grateful to schools and Education, Sport and Culture for all their support, and of course to our teams of immunisers who are working very hard to make this programme happen.”
Immunisation Specialist, Dr Linda Diggle, confirmed that 14 teams of more than 50 immunisers offered the vaccine to 4,284 primary school children in 14 schools across the Island yesterday.
The programme, which is unprecedented in terms of size and logistics, aims to vaccinate about 16,000 children in approximately 70 nurseries and schools across the Island. 3,160 further children will be offered the vaccine in 16 primary schools today.
Information about the vaccine programme has been sent to all parents, who are reminded that an information evening is being held tonight (Thursday 12 November) at Hautlieu School at 7.30pm, where they can talk to medical experts.
Parents of secondary school students who would like their child to have the vaccine, and students aged over 16, are asked to return consent forms to their school by Friday 13 November.
Parents are also reminded that the vaccine does not work immediately. It can take up to 14 days after vaccination to develop immunity. This means the 48 hour rule should be observed until 2 weeks after a child has been vaccinated, to reduce the risk of swine flu spreading in schools. You should also continue to follow the recommended hygiene measures to prevent infection.
gov.je