Sunday, August 02, 2009

UK: Vaccination Priority Groups

 


# 3572

 

 

According to Medical News Today the UK government has drawn up, but not formally released, the priority lists for pandemic vaccinations this fall and winter.  

 

Health Care workers are atop the list, followed by pregnant women, and children under 5. 

 

As in the United States, those over 65 are at the bottom of the priority list, as they have been the least affected by this virus and are believed to have at least some immunity.

 

 

 

Revealed: Priority Groups For Swine Flu Vaccination, UK


Article Date: 02 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PDT

 

NHS staff will be vaccinated first in the Government's swine flu vaccination campaign, followed by pregnant women, young children and adults with chronic illnesses, Pulse can exclusively reveal. Pulse has learned from a senior Government adviser that a 'pecking order' has been drawn up for vaccination.


Everyone in the UK will be vaccinated eventually, but priority is set to be given in the following order:


- Healthcare professionals
- Pregnant women
- All children under five
- Adults aged under 65 with a chronic illness
- All young people aged under 18
- All other patients not in the categories above


The source told Pulse: 'The priorities for vaccination are a big priority for the Department of Health. It's almost certain that GPs and healthcare professionals will be vaccinated first, because you've got to keep your workforce going.


'After that, at-risk groups will be vaccinated. This will mean pregnant women, because there seems to be a suggestion that they are at specific risk.

 

'The remaining groups will be all children under five, those aged under 65 with a chronic illness, and then under 18s.

(Continue . . .)