# 5182
With the UK on the cusp of what may turn into the first major flu epidemic in a decade, difficult questions are being raised about this year’s flu vaccination policies.
The NHS provides free influenza vaccines to groups deemed to be at high risk from the virus, and this year that includes:
It is recommended you have a flu jab if you:
- are 65 or over
- are pregnant (see below)
- have a serious medical condition (see box)
- live in a residential or nursing home
- are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
- are a healthcare or social care professional directly involved in patient care
- work with poultry (see below)
This is essentially a return to the pre-pandemic recommendations, based on the long standing determination that those over-65, and those with chronic health conditions, are most at risk from the influenza virus.
Children under the age of 5 were included (a carry over from last year’s pandemic) until The Independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation dropped that recommendation last July.
Now . . . with the HPA reporting (as of Dec. 24th) 460 people in intensive care, and 27 flu-related fatalities, this year’s vaccination policy has turned into a heated medical, scientific, and political debate.
The novel H1N1 virus – which since it emerged has shown a predilection for those under 65 – is once again the predominant strain of influenza in the UK (but not globally . . . go figure).
As a result, 89% of those in Intensive care units are under the age of 65.
There are now accusations being made in the media, and by some Shadow Ministers (members of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition) that the exclusion of otherwise healthy under-5’s from the high-risk list was a cost cutting move, and ill advised.
It should be noted that by far, the most heavily impacted age group (based on ICU admissions) are those between the ages of 16-64 (79%).
Under-5’s made up about 6% of the total ICU admissions (n=26).
Details on how many of each group had pre-existing conditions, and would have been eligible for (or actually received) the jab, have not been made available.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley is defending the decision, stating that their vaccination program was based based on age and risk factors and was continually under review.
This morning, a report from the BBC which includes statements by John Oxford, Professor of Virology at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital, on our need to adapt to the changing threat from influenza.
28 December 2010 Last updated at 05:48 ET
Flu vaccine policy for children defended
