Influenza Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

The HSE has announced that a licence has been granted for the administration of a vaccine to protect against Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, to be available from the week commencing 2nd November onwards. It is proposed to make the vaccine available through local General Practitioners/Family doctors who are willing to participate in the scheme. Further information about the H1N1 'Flu vaccine is available on the HSE Website. (www.swineflu.ie)The H1N1 'Flu vaccine will be available free of charge, and as per national recommendations the vaccine will firstly be administered to at- risk groups (see below).

H1N1 'Flu ‘At Risk’ Vaccination Clinics

The HSE is preparing to deliver an H1N1 'Flu vaccination clinics for those people who have not got a GP or family doctor here in Ireland.  If you have any of the conditions listed below which places you in the “At Risk” group you may avail of the H1N1 (Swine flu) the ‘At Risk’ vaccination clinics. Please note that the Student Health Centre in DCU is not in a position to administer this vaccine but we are co-ordinating this initiative and will pass on any updated information to you on the Vaccination Clinics in the vicinity.

At-Risk Groups

If you belong to one or more of these groups that are mentioned below then you should strongly consider availing of the vaccination either from your GP or through the programme to be offered by the HSE Vaccination clinics.

Anyone aged between 17 and 65 years with any of the following conditions:

1. Chronic lung disease, including emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and all who have received any medical treatment for asthma in the past 3 years;
2. Chronic heart disease;
3. Chronic kidney disease;
4. Chronic liver disease;
5. Chronic neurological disease, for example multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy;
6. Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or splenic dysfunction, patients on treatment for cancer or their household contacts;
7. Diabetes;
8. Morbidly obese, BMI > 40;
9. Haemoglobulinopathies;
10. Pregnant women, from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after giving birth.

    Should you already be seeing a Doctor in Ireland for your medical condition, kindly continue to see him/her and take advice as necessary. You may also be asked for your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number)

    DCU Student Health Centre
    November 2009