As of Friday 13 November 2009

The Council continues to monitor the situation. There has been a slight dip in the number of people contacting the National Pandemic Flu Service, both nationally and at a local level here in Hertfordshire. This may be due to the October half-term holiday and should not necessarily be seen as the start of a downward trend.

The PCT reminds us that treatment with antivirals remains a key part of the strategy to manage swine flu as antivirals can prevent complications developing in otherwise healthy people. Whilst the spread of swine flu remains at a lower level than first thought, there is still a proportion of the population who are developing a very severe illness after contracting swine flu.

It is therefore very important that those in the priority groups take up their invitation to have the vaccination at the earliest opportunity. GP practices will be calling patients into clinics being held over the next few weeks.

A useful leaflet explaining who is in the priority groups for the vaccination and why it is important they have the jab can be found at Swine flu vaccination, what you need to know.