National Pandemic Flu Service To Close

Following reduction in the number of swine flu cases

The National Pandemic Flu Service, set up to offer online and telephone assessments for people with suspected swine flu will close on Thursday 11 February 2010.  A welcome reduction in the number of swine flu cases is behind the government’s decision to close the self-care service.

Patients in Wandsworth who are worried they may have swine flu are advised to stay at home rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter flu remedies to help relieve their symptoms.  If still concerned, from the 11 February patients should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or their GP for advice.  GP’s will still be able to prescribe antiviral medication for those patients who require it and continue to offer vaccination to those who are in one of the identified priority groups.

Houda Al-Sharifi NHS Wandsworth’s Director of Public Health commented "Our priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk from the complications of swine flu.

"The Swine Flu vaccine has helped to stop the severity of the pandemic over recent months and may even have saved lives in Wandsworth.  Although swine flu has not been a severe illness for most people, some children and younger adults have developed serious complications, and sadly some have died.  I would urge those who are eligible for the vaccine who have not yet had it, to contact their GP about getting vaccinated. 

GPs in Wandsworth have begun to vaccinate children under five who are particularly vulnerable from the complications of swine flu. Special clinics have been set up for children who are NOT registered with a GP in Wandsworth.  For details of these visit NHS Wandsworth’s website at www.wandsworth.nhs.uk

February 9, 2010