INFLUENZA A, H1N1 (SWINE FLU) - ALERT LEVEL 6D (PANDEMIC)
| Press Release - 10 December 2009: Pregnant Women in the Isle of Man to be offered the H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccination |
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| Pregnant women in the Isle of Man are to be offered the vaccination against swine (H1N1) flu, with clinics to commence from 4th January 2010, at Noble’s Hospital. Pregnant women who wish to make an appointment to receive the vaccine are asked to ring 686663 between 12 noon and 4pm (except weekends and bank holidays) with effect from Friday 11th December 2009. |
| The Isle of Man is offering pregnant women Celvapan, a vaccine which is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare. Celvapan is free from preservatives (Thiomersal) and adjuvants; the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of non-adjuvanted vaccines for all pregnant women. |
| Pregnant women are a high risk group, as they are prone to lung complications of swine flu. Pregnant women also have the risk of going into premature labour if they develop swine flu. |
| Safety of the vaccine: The vaccine has not been tested on pregnant women, however the present vaccine is similar to the seasonal flu vaccine and this has been administered for several years to pregnant women without any adverse effects. In addition many other countries have been vaccinating pregnant women against H1N1 flu and there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine causes any specific adverse effects in pregnancy. |
| Advice to pregnant women: |
| If you are pregnant and would like further information regarding the vaccine, please pick up a leaflet from any GP surgery, Pharmacy, Nobles Hospital, Ramsey District Cottage Hospital, Library, Post Office, Commissioners or Corporation Offices, or visit our website, www.gov.im/swineflu. |
| If you are pregnant and would like to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, please contact 686663 between 12 noon and 4.00pm (except weekends and bank holidays) with effect from Friday 11th December. |
| It is extremely important, especially if you have a long standing health problem (e.g. heart disease or lung disease), and you are pregnant, you give serious consideration to becoming vaccinated as the combination of an underlying medical problem and pregnancy makes you particularly vulnerable to flu complications. |
| URGENT PRESS STATEMENT - 11 December : Swine Flu Vaccination for Pregnant Women |
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| The purpose of this statement is to clarify |
| a) The difference between vaccines for swine flu and antivirals |
| There are two vaccines available – Pandemrix and Celvapan. Pandemrix is offered to “at risk” groups and health and social care workers. Celvapan is the vaccine of choice for pregnant women and those with egg allergy. The vaccines prevent the person from developing swine flu. |
| Antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) are given to people who have developed symptoms of swine flu to reduce the duration of the illness. Of the two antivirals; Relenza is the drug of choice for pregnant women. |
| The role of vaccines and antivirals is different and it is important to avoid any confusion. |
| b) Contact details for Pregnant Women wishing to making an appointment |
| Pregnant women should ring the dedicated Clinic Number on 686663 between 12 noon and 4 pm to book an appointment. They should not contact their GP Practice. |
PRESS RELEASES ALREADY ISSUED:
For previous press releases please contact Public Health by email at pandemicflu@gov.im
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