PLANS for mass vaccination to protect people in Herefordshire against swine flu are slotting into place – but so far no vaccine is available.
Up to 30,000 people in the county have been identified as the first to get the jab, but when and where is still uncertain.
All 24 GP practices in the county have agreed to undertake the work, making plans to start the programme by the middle of October a reality.
But with no supplies of vaccine getting through, they are unable to tell their patients about the arrangements.
People will be offered vaccination in order of priority.
The first tranche, about 30,000, will be those in clinical at-risk groups – pregnant women, those in households with people with compromised immune systems such as those being treated for cancer and people aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk group.
Also in the priority group are front-line health and social care staff said to be at increased risk of infection and transmitting it to others.
As for the rest of the population, including children, the offer of vaccination will depend on how the swine flu outbreak develops, as well as the emerging data on the use of the vaccine.
“NHS Herefordshire will expand its programme in accordance with Department of Health policy,” said Arif Mahmood, consultant in public health.
He dismissed concerns that the vaccine is not safe for pregnant women.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended its use and had reassured healthcare professionals about its safety and clinical effectiveness, he said.
