Information for People with Long Term Illness

Do you have LUNG DISEASE? HEART DISEASE? CANCER? OBESITY? DIABETES? LONG-TERM ILLNESS?

Getting the Swine Flu vaccine will protect you from Swine Flu and will also stop it spreading to people around you.

Swine Flu is a new flu virus that, for most people, has caused mild to moderate illness. However, some children, pregnant women and people with long-term illnesses have been hit harder by this flu, and some have died.

While rates of swineflu have dropped from the peak seen in late 2009, we are still seeing cases and want to be prepared for a possible second or later wave of infection - as was experienced in previous pandemics.

People with long term illnesses who have not already had their vaccine, are being asked to come to a HSE clinic before February 1st to have their free swine flu vaccine. Your GP may also be able to provide vaccine, check with your GP survery.

Who is most at risk from Swine Flu?

The following people are most at risk from swine flu:

• Pregnant women – from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth

and

• Anyone aged over 6 months and under 65 years who has:

· Long-term Lung Disease (like Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis)

· Long-term Heart Disease

· Long-term Kidney Disease

· Long-term Liver Disease

· Long-term Neurological Disease (like MS, Cerebral Palsy)

· Immunosuppression e.g. cancer treatment (and their household contacts)

· Haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell anaemia and thallassemia major)

· Diabetes

· Morbid Obesity (check with your GP)

When can I get the vaccine?
People in this at-risk group can get the vaccine from their GP and if your GP is not giving swine flu vaccines, you will be able to attend a HSE clinic for your vaccine. There is no GP fee for the Swine Flu Vaccine - it is free of charge for everyone.

How does the Swine Flu vaccine work?
The vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to the Swine Flu virus. When a person who has been vaccinated comes into contact with Swine Flu these antibodies attack the virus and prevent you getting the flu.

Does everyone need to get the vaccine?
We intend to offer the vaccine to everyone in Ireland. If you have had flu since April, you should still get the vaccine, as it may not have been the Pandemic H1N1 2009 or Swine Flu virus. If you have had a confirmed positive lab test for Swine Flu or Pandemic H1N1 2009, you do not need the vaccine.

How safe is the Swine Flu vaccine?
The Swine Flu vaccines have been licensed by the Irish Medicines Board and the European Medicines Agency. These vaccines have been given to millions of people across Europe already this year. Reactions have been normal and similar to seasonal flu vaccines, which have been used for more than 60 years. Serious side effects are expected to be very rare and the Swine Flu vaccine cannot give you Swine Flu.

How long does it take the vaccine to work?
The vaccine starts to work within two weeks, so please ensure that you continue to follow good infection control after being vaccinated. If you cough or sneeze - Catch It in a tissue, Bin It and Kill It by washing your hands with soap and water.

Do I need one or two doses of vaccine?
There are two different makes of vaccine being used in Ireland; Pandemrix (manufactured by GSK) and Celvapan (manufactured by Baxter).

For the Pandemrix vaccine, one dose of the vaccine will be enough to protect most people from Swine Flu. The only exception to this is people with immunosuppression who will require two doses of this vaccine. Immunosuppressed people would include people with cancer or on cancer treatment. Check with your GP if you are unsure.

For the Celvapan vaccine, 2 doses of vaccine are required to give full protection from Swine Flu. Both vaccines are considered to be equally effective and have the same safety profile.

Where a second dose of vaccine is needed, it should be given after a gap of at least three weeks or longer. If you need a second dose of vaccine, the HSE will let you know when it is available and invite you to attend to get it.

Is there anyone who cannot get Swine Flu vaccine?
The vaccine should not be given to children under 6 months of age, and should be postponed for people who have a temperature over 38ºC. If you have a severe egg allergy, you can have the Celvapan vaccine, as the Pandemrix vaccine is made using eggs. Everyone aged 6 months to under 65 years should get the vaccine unless they have a severe allergy to some substances in the vaccine or have previously had Guillain Barré Syndrome. If you have any of these allergies or conditions you can discuss them with your GP or with the vaccine clinic staff.

What is Thiomersal and is it safe?
Thiomersal in an ingredient in the Swine Flu vaccine and, yes, it is safe. It is used to stop vaccines becoming contaminated. It is a mercury based preservative which been used in medical products and vaccines for more than 60 years.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a nerve condition that can result in temporary paralysis and was seen in some people who received another type of Swine Flu vaccine in 1976. Studies have shown since then that GBS may occur very rarely with flu vaccinations - about one case for every million people vaccinated. More recent studies have shown us that the risk of getting GBS as a result of having the flu itself is actually much greater. There is also evidence that the vaccine protects against GBS.

Is it safe for pregnant women to be vaccinated?

Yes. The vaccine is safe to use in pregnancy and is recommended for all women from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth. Pregnant women under fourteen weeks pregnant who have an existing at-risk medical condition or who are healthcare workers are also advised to get the vaccine.

What can I expect after vaccination?

The most common side effects will be mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headache, fever, aches and tiredness may occur. Some people may have mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine, but this is not Swine Flu and will pass after a day or so. Severe or life threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.

What if I don’t feel well after vaccination?

Take paracetamol if you have a fever or any pain where the injection was given. If you are pregnant, take paracetamol for fever, not ibuprofen or aspirin. Avoid clothes rubbing against the injection area and drink plenty of fluids. Remember if you or a child is unwell after getting a vaccine, they could be sick for some other reason – don’t assume it’s the flu vaccine and take medical advice if needed.

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?

The vaccine and its administration are free of charge for everyone. You may be asked for your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) when you go to have your vaccine.