21/10/2009

SNP MSP Christine Grahame is urging frontline healthcare workers in the Borders to have the swine flu vaccine.

The vaccination programme has been launched today by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and Dr Harry Burns, Scotland's chief medical officer.
 
Ms Grahame has learned there are concerns amongst staff throughout all departments within the health care community about having the jab but is echoing the words of Dr Burns who said today at the launch that it is vital they protect themselves and others.
 
Ms Grahame said: "We know that, in a small minority, the H1N1 virus can be nasty and not only are frontline workers more at risk of infection but they could also spread the bug to vulnerable patients.
 
"While I may not be in a priority group to receive the vaccine if I was I would certainly be taking it and I would urge eligible people, including healthcare staff, to take it.
 
"The world is experiencing its first flu pandemic for 40 years and vaccination is the best defence we have against this new flu strain. The healthcare staff have a vital role to play in caring for those struck down by the illness."
 
Frontline health and social care workers will be among the first to be offered the vaccine, along with those hospital patients who fall into the "at risk" group.
Ms Grahame added: "If staff in the Borders decide against taking this vaccine it increases their own risk of H1N1 infection and they may also pass the infection on to vulnerable patients. This is why it is so important that health workers are among the first people to be offered the vaccine."

SNP It’s time.....