Under 5s in Weymouth and Portland to be vaccinated against swine flu

Vaccination of the under-5s against swine flu will begin in Dorset in the New Year thanks to an agreement between the majority of local GPs and NHS Dorset.

When national negotiations with GPs over the implementation of the under-5s vaccination programme broke down, NHS Dorset then sought to enter into an agreement with local GPs.  Within 24 hours of being asked, more than two thirds had agreed to take part in the programme.

Nikki Osborne, NHS Dorset's deputy director of commissioning for primary care, said: "We are delighted that so many GPs agreed so quickly to take part.

"This is testament to the excellent standard of general practice in Dorset and the good relationships between the practices, NHS Dorset and the Local Medical Committee, which represents the interests of GPs and which has been extremely supportive.

"Vaccinating the under-5s is very important as children in this age group are more likely to be hospitalised if they fall ill with swine flu. They also have high rates of admission to critical care and  there have also been some deaths nationally.

"The vaccine, which has a good safety profile, is the best way of protecting a child."

Parents will receive a letter inviting them to have their child vaccinated. If they are registered with a GP who has not signed up to the agreement, NHS Dorset will make alternative arrangements for them.

The under-5s vaccination programme is a significant additional workload for practices at an already busy time, when increased numbers of patients are suffering from winter viruses.

Nikki added: "We would ask people to bear this in mind when they are deciding whether they need to see their GP or whether they could get the health advice they need elsewhere - from their local pharmacist for example."

The decision to vaccinate this group is supported by advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - the UK's independent advisory board on vaccines.

The other 'at risk' groups who are being invited to receive a swine flu vaccine are:

* People aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu 'at risk' groups

* All pregnant women

* People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS

* People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu 'at risk' group

Adults who think they may have contracted swine flu can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service by telephone on 0800 1 513 100 (minicom 0800 151 3200) or online at https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or they can follow the links on the NHS Dorset website, www.Dorset.nhs.uk