Swine Flu (H1N1)

We know that many of you are concerned about the 'Swine flu' or H1-N1: at the time of writing there is more than a little confusion around the world about who to vaccinate and how many injections are needed.

There is one clear message: those in close contact with people who have reduced immune system function should be vaccinated - ie your family members and others you see every day. Some immunologists offer vaccination to patients - others do not! So why not have a word with your personal clinical immunologist who will be aware of the practice in your country.

The vaccine has no known adverse effects but if you are not producing antibodies, we are not sure of the protective effect. In any case, if there are symptoms, the diagnosis can be done quite quickly and antiviral therapy which is effective made available.