Protect young children from swine flu urges Chief Medical Officer

People are being reminded that the swine flu vaccination is still available and will offer protection against the illness.

The number of cases is continuing to remain at the lowest level since the original outbreak and as a result, the National Pandemic Flu Service is set to close by Thursday 11 February.

Despite this, the Chief Medical Officer is urging people to be vaccinated to protect themselves against complications and death as swine flu is believed to be the most prevelant flu virus this year.

Current statistics show there are 124 patients in hospital in England, with 29 of those remaining in critical care.

So far in England, 4.25 million people have been vaccinated in the priority groups, including 140,000 pregnant women and 404,000 children aged between 6 months and under 5 years.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, called deaths from swine flu ‘potentially preventable’ and said:  “I am pleased to see increasing uptake of vaccine amongst the under fives. Deaths in this age group have been deeply distressing.

“When the virus returns I would very much like to see young children already protected.