H1N1 Influenza Update

Further information on H1N1 Flu is available on the RCGP Pandemic Planning pages.

 

PANDEMIC OVERVIEW

1 Feb 2010

The weekly meetings in Scotland between the Scottish Government and key medical leaders have now been stood down.

 

Most infections have been characterised by relatively mild self-limiting illness. Mortality from H1N1 (2009) influenza has been lower than in previous pandemics and in some flu seasons. However, the disease has disproportionately affected young people, and this is where most complications have occurred, particularly where pre-existing chronic illness exists. The weekly meetings in Scotland between key Scottish Government and medical leaders have now been stood down.

 

News and Press Releases

 

18 December 2009 - Briefing papers on dosage/schedule and risk of fever/use of paracetamol in young children following Pandemrix

NHS National Services Scotland has published the following briefing notes regarding the current vaccination programme:

 

Influenza A H1N1(v) (Swine Flu) Vaccine Dosage and Schedule

 

Influenza A H1N1(v) (Swine Flu) immunisation – advice on risk of fever in young children following vaccination with Pandemrix®

 

21 October 2009 - Flu vaccination programme begins

The Scottish Government has published a news release relating to the beginning of the flu vaccination programme. The following statement from Dr Ken Lawton, Chair of RCGP Scotland is included in the article:

 

"RCGP Scotland welcomes the launch of the H1N1 programme as part of the response to the current pandemic. Vulnerable patients in particular will benefit from this programme which will enable us to begin protecting patients from future risk of infection.

"I would also encourage all colleagues and front line staff to seriously consider taking the vaccine themselves to ensure that as a workforce, we can provide effective and consistent service should the number of H1N1 cases continue to increase."

 

Scottish Government News Release - Flu Vaccination Programme Begins

 

CMO Letter - Launch Date for the Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination Programme 2009-2010 and Additional Details on Vaccine Dosage 342kb

 

16 July 2009 – National Pandemic Flu Service

Dr Harry Burns, the Chief Medical Officer has published a letter regarding the activation of the National Pandemic Flu Service in England.

 

CMO Letter - National Pandemic Flu Service  181kb

 

Pandemic Flu - Joint letter from BMA Scotland and RCGP Scotland

RCGP Scotland and BMA Scotland have issued a joint letter on Pandemic Flu to all GP practices in Scotland.

 

Resources

Scottish Government Guidelines

The Scottish Government has issued specific national guidance: ‘Pandemic Flu: A Scottish framework for responding to an influenza pandemic.

GP Specific Guidance

The specific guidance for General Practice in Scotland will be the same as that for the UK as a whole: Preparing for pandemic influenza: Guidance for GP practices’ drawn up by RCGP and BMA.

 

New Q&A on Vaccination

The Scottish Government has issued Q&A guidance on H1N1 vaccination for GP practices.

[.....read more.]

 

 

Useful Links

RCGP Pandemic Planning Webpage

Frequently updated UK guidance and resources from the Royal College of General Practitioners

 

Health Protection Scotland - Influenza A H1N1

Containing weekly situation reports, statistics for Scotland and advice for the patients

 

Scottish Government - H1N1 News and Updates

Containing frquent updates on news relating to H1N1 planning and cases as well as general information

 

NHS 24 - Swine Flu information

Information for patients and public and official guidance on the virus

 

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