A programme to vaccinate children against swine flu in Lichfield and Burntwood has begun.

The vaccinations – for youngsters over six months and under five years-old – is being orchestrated by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) in partnership with local GPs.

Young children are being offered the vaccine to protect them from swine glu and its possible complications, particularly as they seem to be vulnerable to severe illness which could result in hospitalisation.

Letters are being distributed to parents of children in the relevant age group who are registered with GPs across the South Staffordshire PCT area, including Lichfield.  The letters will be from either their GP inviting them to receive their vaccination at the GP Surgery or from the PCT who will invite them to have their vaccination at a Vaccination Centre, a number of which have been set up across South Staffordshire.

John Wicks, Flu Director for South Staffordshire PCT, said:

“Children over six months and under five years seem to be more vulnerable to severe illness as a result of swine flu and vaccination is the best way to protect them from possible complications.

“Even if your child is healthy, it is important to get them vaccinated as it will help protect them against swine flu, as well as protecting your family and other people who are close to your child as it is less likely they will pass on the virus.  It will also protect your child against future waves of infection caused by the swine flu virus and reduce the spread of the disease.

“Parents with children over six months and under five years old should wait to receive their letter from either the GP or their PCT.”

People with chronic conditions, pregnant women and those who are immunosuppressed who have already received an invitation to make an appointment for their swine flu vaccination, but have not yet taken up the opportunity are being urged to do so as soon as possible to protect themselves.

For further information about the vaccination or for more information about symptoms visit www.nhs.uk or contact the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 or the National Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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tina
14 years ago

im bein told its best for my son to have this injection an believe me i have done alot of research but all im finding is that the injection can also cause fatal long term damage to my son a news article about a letter that was found about how this injecftion can cause nerve disease an alot of other stuff ive also been told my people who have refused to give there children this injection that the drug has not yet been tested properly so how do u make the disition to have it or not if u dont ya putting ya child at risk and if u do my child might end up bein brain damaged or somethin else for life ive also been told by a nurese the dangers of this injection my god not even the doctors at my surgery will have it an if they wont take the risk who will

doctor moctor
14 years ago

Tina, if your son is biologically yours – you have nothing to worry about, no obvious brain damage will be detected.