Published: Wednesday, 4th November, 2009 5:30pm

Council leader urges vaccine education

Town council leader Ruth Illingworth has urged people to check with their doctors to see if they need to get vaccinated against Swine Flu. Councillor Illingworth said that while she did not believe in causing panic over the virus she said that those with long term illnesses should ensure that they make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.

The councillor was speaking ahead of the start the HSE's vaccination scheme which will kick off on November 2.

"The World Health organisation has named this a pandemic," said the councillor. "No one wants to cause panic but this should be taken seriously and people need to consider if they should be vaccinated. I have had constituents approach me and say that they have heard that the government is going to force people to have the vaccine and I would have to tell them that it is absolutely not true.

"Vaccines are very important. As a child I almost died from a high temperature brought on my measles. Westmeath has one of the highest rates of vaccine up take in Ireland and I hope that people will continue to take a sensible and informed approach to the Swine Flu vaccine."

The following groups have been deemed 'at risk' and should check with their GP about the vaccine:

Pregnant women - from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth

Anyone aged over 6 months and under 65 years who has:

• Long-term Lung Disease (like Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis)

• Long-term Heart Disease

• Long-term Kidney Disease

• Long-term Liver Disease

• Long-term Neurological Disease (like MS, Cerebral Palsy)

• Immunosuppression e.g. cancer treatment (and their household contacts)

• Haemoglobinopathies

• Diabetes

• Morbid Obesity (check with your GP)