Swine flu vaccination invitation issued

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have sent out letters inviting those who work in dentistry to get the Swine flu vaccine.

The organisations explain that, as healthcare workers, it is important that dental professionals get the vaccine because they are more likely to come into contact with people who have flu, as well as having the potential to pass pandemic flu to vulnerable patients or bring the infection home before they even realise they are ill.

GPs have been advised to use remaining stocks of vaccine to vaccinate the under 5s, those 65 and over, and healthcare workers. As such, those working in dentistry are advised to contact their GP in the first instance to ascertain if the doctor’s practice is participating in the vaccination scheme and whether any vaccines are available.

If it is not possible to receive the vaccine from your GP, the HSE requests that dental workers make an appointment to attend their local HSE vaccine clinic.

A copy of the invitation letter and your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) should be presented when attending for the vaccination.

Full details of the clinics are available at www.swineflu.ie.