Vaccine to younger children soon

Children over six months not at nursery will receive the vaccine soon

Parents of young children who don't go to nursery are being asked to be patient in waiting for their children to be offered the swine flu vaccine.

Jersey's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, has asked parents not to ask their GP about it.

She confirmed that details of the vaccine being offered to younger children will be announced within the next few weeks.

This will see be for children above the age of six months who don't go nursery.

Dr Rosemary Geller says Jersey's Health Authorities have started the vaccination programme in schools because the children are at higher risk of catching the flu.

This is because they congregate in large numbers for long periods of time.

Dr Geller says children of nursery school age who are not at nursery are at less risk of getting the virus.

However, the swine flu vaccine will be offered to these children once the schools and nurseries programme is complete.

People above school age are being asked to be patient and wait to be called up by their doctor for the swine flu vaccine.

Dr Geller, says the people who have been contacted by their doctors to have the vaccine are being asked to go and get it.

"GPs are telling me there has been some reluctance, particularly in working age adults to take the time off work or get round to it.

"Please get round to it now because it is quiet an urgent matter," said Dr Geller.

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