Painless start to first wave of swine ’flu vaccinations

THE first phase of the so-called swine ’flu vaccination programme at an Ennis clinic got off to a “smooth start with only a few minor teething problems”, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Clare people who are categorised in the “at-risk” group were the first group to receive a swine ’flu jab free of charge in a dedicated HSE vaccination clinic at Tobartasocan, Ennis.
The high-risk category includes pregnant women – from 14 weeks pregnant to six weeks after giving birth – and anyone aged over six months and under 65 years who has long-term lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disease, cancer patients, diabetes and morbid obesity.
According to official figures, 148 people were vaccinated on Monday and 171 on Tuesday at the clinic from 9am to 5pm.
Clare people in this category are also being vaccinated at their local general practitioner surgeries but the HSE has pointed out that it will take some time before these figures are tabulated.
Everyone will be offered a swine ’flu vaccine but the HSE has stressed that only those with certain long-term health conditions and pregnant women should come forward for vaccination now.  This is because supplies of vaccine are limited and it’s important that this limited resource goes to those who need it most.
All of the special HSE clinics are receiving regular quantities of vaccine to allow them to deal with demand.
The HSE stated it was not concerned about supply of vaccine at this point as over 100,000 doses have been distributed to the HSE clinics and 200,000 to GPs. With more vaccines coming into the country on a weekly basis, the health authority is confident that it will have sufficient quantities to offer a vaccine to all of those in the at-risk group.
A HSE spokesperson said the operation which, when completed, will be the biggest mass vaccination in the history of the State, had got off to a smooth start with only a few minor teething problems. These related mainly to people asking about opening hours or seeking directions to the clinics.
People aged 65 and over have some immunity to swine ’flu so they are not in the most at-risk group and will be vaccinated at a later stage.
Some GPs are not giving swine ’flu vaccines so the HSE has organised vaccine clinics to vaccinate their patients against the ’flu. The list of clinics is on www.swineflu.ie , along with details of how to find them, how they will work, and a facility to book clinic visits on-line.