29 October 2009
Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health says an outbreak of swine flu is on the way after new cases of the virus more than doubled in the past week.
To help counter the risks to children a schools vaccination programme will start in November.
24 new cases were confirmed in the week leading up to 25 October 2009. Only nine cases were reported the previous week. Consultant microbiologist Dr Ivan Muscat has confirmed his belief that swine flu is now spreading on the Island. While the number of cases is still much lower in Jersey than in the UK, the significant increase here is in line with the upward trend in UK figures where cases almost doubled in the past week. Also, the USA has declared a national emergency due to swine flu.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller said: “Cases are going up dramatically in the UK. The latest data show children are particularly at risk of catching swine flu and spreading it to others.”
“We must do everything we can to vaccinate children as soon as possible to protect them from getting swine flu and potentially developing complications. We plan to start phase two of the vaccination programme in the next few weeks we will be offering the vaccine to primary school and nursery children first.”
“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial we maintain the 48 hour rule to protect children until they can be vaccinated. The rule will need to remain in place for 14 days after vaccinations have been given as this is how long it takes for the vaccine to work fully.”
The Health department is working with Education, Sport and Culture to distribute information to parents after half term about how the programme will be carried out. Vaccinations will take place in schools.
Vaccinations of health care staff and pregnant women are continuing this week. The majority of health staff have taken up the vaccine and initial uptake from pregnant women has also been good.
gov.je