Swine flu

If you think you have swine flu

If you think you have swine flu symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP.

They will be able to assess you and prescribe antivirals if you need them. Your GP will also be able to advise you on vaccination.

For further advice contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Information about swine flu symptoms is available on NHS Choices.

Swine flu vaccine

The swine flu vaccination programme began on 21 October 2009. Those at greatest risk were offered the vaccine.

The following groups were offered the vaccine, in the order shown below. 

• People aged between six months and 65 years who usually get the seasonal flu jab.
• All pregnant women (further information on swine flu and pregnancy is available by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page).
• People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.
• People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
• Young children aged over six months and under five years.

Vaccination for healthy children under five years stopped at the end of March 2010.

Vaccination for those in the initial clinical at-risk groups will continue over the summer.

Full information on the swine flu vaccine is available on NHS Choices (please see the link below).

The vaccine is important to help protect those most at risk. If you, or someone you care for, belongs in any of the 'at risks' groups above please do take your time to find out more about the vaccine.