The Pandemic Flu Vaccination Programme concluded on 31st March 2010 as the numbers contracting Swine Flu have declined significantly.

However, vaccination is still recommended for those people who might be at increased risk of infection and are at increased risk of serious complications from pandemic influenza.

These are

• All pregnant women over 14 weeks gestation, up to 6 weeks post partum and those in the first trimester in the medically at risk groups.
• Those aged 6 months to 64 years in one of the medically at risk groups below who are newly diagnosed or have not already received the vaccine
  • Chronic respiratory disease (including asthma and cystic fibrosis)
  • Chronic heart, renal, liver or neurological disease
  • Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency and their household contacts
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Haemoglobinopathies
  • Morbid obesity (BMI =40)
• Those travelling to the Southern hemisphere. It is unknown if and when the H1N1 virus many circulate again in the Southern hemisphere and this recommendation is to reduce the risk of people contracting the disease whilst abroad and bringing it home.

Please check this website regularly for further updates. Click here to access the pandemic information page

In March and April 2010 letters were issued from the HSE to GPs and Maternity Hospitals regarding the pandemic flu campaign.

GP Correspondence

• Subject - Conclusion of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Swine Flu Vaccination Programme (24th March 2010)
• Subject - Extension of Recommendations for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccine (27th April 2010)

Maternity Hospitals Correspondence 

• Subject - Continuation of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Swine Flu Vaccination Programme for Pregnant Women (24th March 2010)