Pandemic (H1N1) 2011 (Swine Flu)
History of H1N1 in Ireland
The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a public health alert in April 2009 indicating that human cases of influenza type A (H1N1) virus infection had been identified. In June 2009, the WHO raised the alert level to Phase 6 – declaring a pandemic. Pandemic means that a virus, new to humans, has appeared, is spreading and is causing disease in many parts of the world. Phase 6 means that there is increased and sustained transmission in human population. The WHO assessed the severity of the Pandemic (H1N1) as moderate. Immediately, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive implemented emergency plans to deal with the pandemic and commenced a significant vaccination programme.
In August 2010, the WHO declared that “the world is no longer in Phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert. We are now moving into the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course.”
This does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away.
Current Position
The Swine Flu virus that spread around the world during 2009 and 2010 is now part of the winter flu that we are seeing in 2011. Based on advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year the seasonal flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains, including the Pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) strain which is still circulating this year and is expected to be the most common strain this winter. Unlike last year, the swine flu virus strain is included in the seasonal flu vaccine meaning that only one flu vaccination is required this year. Current developments are as we expected and this is a seasonal flu epidemic that happens to have swine flu as principal agent. Population immunity that was generated last year through vaccination and otherwise was not high enough to prevent the current outbreak but it might still limit it. As regrettably, the number of people coming forward for vaccination was not as high as hoped. It is worth noting , had people followed advice to be vaccinated last year they would now be protected.
In Ireland, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that the following groups of at-risk people need to be vaccinated for the current seasonal influenza - everyone aged 65 and older, children and adults with long-term illnesses such as asthma, heart problems etc., including those who attend schools or day centres for people with disabilities, as well as health care staff and carers.
In addition, all pregnant women and women up to six weeks after giving birth should get the seasonal flu vaccination this year whether or not they were vaccinated against swine flu as they are at a higher risk of complications from flu even if they are otherwise healthy.
People with either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card will not be charged to visit the doctor for the flu vaccine. General practitioners may charge a consultation fee to administer the vaccine to patients without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, however the vaccine is supplied free of charge to all of the above groups.
Useful Websites:
For the most recent update on influenza activity in Ireland please see the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website www.hpsc.ie
Further information for professionals and the public is available at www.swineflu.ie
If you require any further information on influenza or influenza vaccines these are available at the Health Service Executive website www.hse.ie and the Irish Medicines Board website www.imb.ie
