HEAltH MAttErS 09
pandemIc
1930s to prevent contamination in some Headache, fever, aches and tiredness could be sick for some other reason – don’t
vaccines and yes, it is safe. thiomersal is may occur. Some people may have mild assume it’s the flu vaccine and take medical
not the same as methyl mercury, which sweating and shivering as their immune advice if needed.
can accumulate in the body and become system responds to the vaccine, but this
toxic. thiomersal contains a different is not Swine Flu and will pass after a day d do I Have To pay for THe
form of mercury (ethyl mercury), which is or so. vaCCINe?
metabolised and removed from the body the vaccine and its administration are free
much faster than methyl mercury. d WHaT If I doN’T feel Well afTer of charge for everyone.
vaCCINaTIoN?
d WHaT IS gUIllaIN-BarrÉ take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have d WHere CaN I geT More
SyNdroMe (gBS)? a fever or any pain where the injection was INforMaTIoN?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a nerve given. If you are pregnant, take paracetamol Visit www.swineflu.ie or call
condition that can result in temporary for fever, not ibuprofen or aspirin. Avoid 1800 94 11 00. Talk to your Occupational
paralysis and was seen in some people clothes rubbing against the injection area Health Dept or your line manager and get
who received another type of Swine Flu and drink plenty of fluids. remember if the Swine Flu Vaccine now.
vaccine in 1976. Studies have shown since you are unwell after getting a vaccine, you
then that GBS may occur very rarely with
flu vaccinations – about one case for every
million people vaccinated.
good reaction to flu clinics
More recent studies have shown us that
the risk of getting GBS as a result of having
HSE staff working in Swine Flu
“We have received a lot of comments
the flu itself is actually much greater. there
Clinics around the country have been
about how well the system is running
is also evidence that the vaccine protects
generally very well received by the
and how well things are organised. Some
against GBS. people said they would write to the HSE
general public. Staff report that they
to let management know they were
d IS IT Safe for pregNaNT WoMeN
have received many compliments
impressed with the flu clinic.”
To Be vaCCINaTed?
from those getting the vaccine and
Christine said it was great to get the
Yes. the vaccine is safe to use in
say visitors were impressed by the
opportunity to meet and co-operate with
pregnancy and is recommended for efficiency of the clinics and the colleagues from tallaght Hospital.
all women from 14 weeks pregnant to
manner in which they are working.
“the hospital staff have been really
six weeks after giving birth. Pregnant good to us here. they have been very
healthcare workers and pregnant women
with long-term health conditions should
get the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. H
ealth Matters spoke to HSE staff helpful. Everyone from the people on the
member Christine Hyland who switch to those looking after furniture
is working in the tallaght Swine and accommodation have been very
this is because they are at higher risk of Flu Clinic. A Public Health Nurse she supportive. It’s good to see health staff
exposure or complications from Pandemic began working at the clinic based in the from the community and the hospital
(H1N1) 2009. Educational Centre, Tallaght Hospital coming together.”
grounds on November 2 last. She is
d IS THere aNyoNe WHo CaNNoT normally based at the Health Centre in
geT SWINe flU vaCCINe? Old County Road in Crumlin.
the vaccine should not be given to children “I was asked to come and work in this
under 6 months of age, and should be special Swine Flu Clinic and I was very
postponed if you have a temperature over happy to do so. We have got a great
38ºC. If you have a history of Guillain-Barré reaction from the public and all the staff
Syndrome or a severe allergy to eggs or are working well together.”
other substances in the vaccine please During the first two weeks of operation
discuss this with your GP or occupational more than 2,500 people were vaccinated
health department. at the Tallaght special flu clinic. On some
days between 370 and 390 people
+ Christine Hyland, a Dublin PHN based in Old County
d WHaT CaN I expeCT afTer got the vaccine. “I wanted to get the
Road, Crumlin, receives the flu jab from her colleague
Norma Quirke, a PHN based at Millbrook Lawns
vaCCINaTIoN? vaccine myself so one of my colleagues
Health Centre, Tallaght. Both are temporarily working
the most common side effects will be administered it. I didn’t have any problem
at the Swine Flu Clinic in the Educational Centre on the
mild and may include soreness, redness with it,” said Christine. tallaght Hospital site.
or swelling where the injection was given.
health matters is 4.indd 9 27/11/2009 20:34:51
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