Swine flu vaccine brought to Dereham surgery

27 November 2009

Frontline health staff at a surgery in Dereham have received an initial supply of the swine flu vaccine.

The Orchard Surgery has already inoculated its employees and is now turning its attention to the more vulnerable members of society.

Richard Hall Practice Manager said: “The vaccine is in short supply at present but we have received our first delivery.”

“Initially it is being offered to people who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu.

“The priority one group are patients aged between six months and 65 years of age, who have a long-term health condition, including chronic disease of the heart, lung, kidney or liver, chronic neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus and those with immunosuppression caused by a disease or treatment of a disease.”

“It is important that people in this group have a vaccine to prevent them from catching swine flu. We have started to call patients in these at-risk groups.”

Those who believe are showing symptoms of swine flu are not advised to visit the surgery.

Instead they should telephone the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.