The Wandsworth LINk wants you to be aware of the following important advice from NHS Wandsworth

At risk residents are urged to get the swine flu vaccine

The NHS is urging local residents to take up the swine flu vaccination. The vaccine is being offered first to people most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu.

The priority groups for vaccination are:

· Adults and children between six months and 65 years of age in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical ‘at risk’ groups. e.g. who have a long-term health condition, including chronic lung disease and heart disease;

· Pregnant women;

· People who live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised by disease or treatment, and

· People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical “at risk” groups.

NHS Wandsworth’s Joint Medical Director, Dr Dave Finch said: “We know that for the majority of cases swine flu is a mild illness, but for some people, mostly with other existing health problems, it can be more serious. The vaccine is our best line of defence against swine flu, and I urge everyone in the priority groups to take up the offer of being vaccinated. Your GP will contact you to let you know if you are in one of the at-risk groups.”

Residents in the priority groups who are not registered with a GP can arrange to have their free swine vaccination at Tooting Walk-in Centre by calling 020 8700 0505.

Clinic times are:

Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November 4pm – 7pm

Thursday 12, 19 and 26 November 7am – 10am

Saturday 14, 21 and 28 November 5.30pm – 8pm

Dr Finch continued “We are seeing increasing numbers of cases in the local community and the number of people catching the illness may rise as we move into the winter season Being vaccinated against swine flu is voluntary but the NHS wants to protect as many people in the community as possible. ”

The swine flu vaccines have under-gone a series of stringent tests to be granted a licence by the European Medicines Agency and have undergone extensive trials involving thousands of people.”

One of the best things that everyone can do to protect themselves and others from swine flu and ordinary seasonal flu is to follow good basic hygiene, said Dr Finch, especially covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, placing used tissues in a bin and remembering to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus.”

The swine flu vaccination will not protect you against seasonal flu so if you are at-risk it is important to have both vaccinations.”

For more information on swine flu, visit www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.