Swine Flu Update, Thursday, 4th February, 2010, Ireland

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 05 Feb 2010 - 2:00 PST

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ILI rate:

The Department of Health & Children and the HSE advised that the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) for the week ending Sunday 31st January 2010 (week 4, 2010), was 7.5 per 100,000 population. This is a decrease from the 12.2 per 100,000 population reported during week 3, 2010.

Age-specific ILI rates:

During week 4, 2010, sentinel GPs reported an ILI rate of 3.5 per 100,000 in the 5-14 year age group, an ILI rate of 9.6 per 100,000 in the 15-64 year age group and an ILI rate of 4.2 per 100,000 in those aged 65 years and older.

22 patients with confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have died to date. There have been no additional deaths reported since last week's press statement.

The Swine Flu Vaccination programme is moving into its final phase, where Swine Flu vaccine is being made available to the general population through HSE Clinics nationwide. Anyone in the target groups(detailed below) who has not yet been vaccinated is advised to come to a HSE clinic for their vaccine before March 31st. In addition, any members of the general public who have not yet been offered vaccine may now come to a HSE clinic for swine flu vaccine. You can arrange to visit a HSE vaccine clinic by making an appointment for a vaccination on http://www.swineflu.ie or by contacting the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850.

Target Groups

- People with long-term medical conditions like lung and heart disease
- Pregnant women
- Children aged from 6 months to 5 years
- Family members of babies under 6 months (to protect infants who cannot be vaccinated)
- School children from 5 to 18 years
- People aged 65 and over
- Healthcare workers

The HSE is continuing the schools vaccination programme in primary and secondary schools and some HSE clinics in the weeks ahead. Parents are reminded to ensure their child is protected from swine flu, now and in the future.

Pregnant women from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after birth are reminded that vaccination against swine flu is still very important and available through GPs, HSE Clinics and some maternity units. Women who will be in late pregnancy in the autumn, or who are considering becoming pregnant this year, are advised to think ahead and be vaccinated now.

Source
Department of Health and Children, Ireland

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