Current Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Swine Flu) situation

Last updated: 14th March

For more information on pandemic flu and how we are managing the influenza outbreak and on what actions you can take read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the automated 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 941100.

Name Change

The WHO has now changed the official name of the pandemic virus from Influenza A(H1N1) to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

Rates of influenza like illnesses this week

Influenza activity decreased and remains at a low level of incidence in the most recent data available (week to 14th March 2010). Clinical illness continues to be mild in the majority of cases. A total of twenty four deaths in confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been reported to date (18th March, 2010).

An estimated number of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) being seen by GPs (generated based on information derived from the National Influenza Sentinel GP Surveillance Network) is reported on a weekly basis through the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website. Information on influenza related hospitalisations is also provided.

Swine Flu Vaccination Programme

The Swine Flu Vaccination programme has moved into its final phase, where Swine Flu vaccine is being made available to the general population through HSE Clinics nationwide. Anyone in the target groups* who has not yet been vaccinated is advised to come to a HSE clinic for their vaccine before March 31st. In addition, any members of the general public who have not yet been offered vaccine may now come to a HSE clinic for swine flu vaccine.

Some GPs who have remaining vaccine supplies may also be able to vaccinate their patients. Other mechanisms for members of the general population are also being put in place by the HSE including offering vaccines to large companies and organisations who are in a position to offer vaccines to their staff through in-house occupational health facilities.

To date, over 900,000 people have been vaccinated and are now protected from any future swine flu circulation. The HSE is continuing the schools vaccination programme in primary and secondary schools and some HSE clinics. Parents are reminded to ensure their child is protected from swine flu, now and in the future.

Pregnant women from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after birth are reminded that vaccination against swine flu is still very important and available through GPs, HSE Clinics and some maternity units. Women who will be in late pregnancy in the autumn, or who are considering becoming pregnant this year, are advised to think ahead and be vaccinated now.

Speaking about the latest phase of the vaccination campaign Dr Pat Doorley, HSE National Director of Population Health, said; “we would encourage all those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider the options open to them to get the vaccine, whether that is through a HSE clinic, their GP, school or workplace and to make the necessary arrangements now given we are entering the final weeks of the vaccination campaign."

“We would encourage all those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider the options open to them to get the vaccine, whether that is through a HSE clinic, their GP, school or workplace and to make the necessary arrangements now given we are entering the final weeks of the vaccination campaign." said Dr Doorley.

*The vaccination programme began in late October 2009 and vaccine was given to those of most at risk from Swine Flu. Vaccine has been offered to:

How many doses?

The HSE is primarily giving the Pandemrix vaccine at all locations, and 1 dose of this vaccine is sufficient for the vast majority of children and adults. Only people with immunosuppression need a second dose of Pandemrix.

All those who received the Celvapan vaccine from a HSE clinic since November will require 2 doses of this vaccine. The HSE is writing to anyone who has yet to receive a second dose of Celvapan, to ensure they come for their second dose.

How to get the vaccine

The vaccine is free of charge and available from HSE clinics nationwide and from some GPs who have stocks remaining. Detailed information on clinic locations and opening hours is online at www.swineflu.ie, where people can also make bookings for clinic visits. Information is also available on the Flu Information Line, Freephone 1800 94 11 00.

The Irish Medicines Board’s website provides detailed information on the vaccines in use.

Relevant Links

Further information for professionals and the public is available through the websites of the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive and the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre

Further information can also be obtained directly from the WHO and the Centres for Disease Control in the US.

Visit this page for audio feeds of the Chief Medical Officer's Press Conferences, along with previous Press Statements.

Information and medical advice for the public on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - in leaflet form (pdf)

National Pandemic Influenza Plan

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Ireland: Advice of the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group

Business Continuity Planning – Responding to an Influenza Pandemic (Forfas website)

Response to UK study on the effects of antivirals to children