Two swine flu chldren die in North
Two young children with swine flu have died in the North today.
The death of a 10-month-old baby boy was announced tonight, only hours after the authorities said a two-year-old boy with the virus had died.
The baby had underlying health problems.
It is not known if the two-year-old, who was from the Republic, was also suffering from another condition as his family have asked for those details to remain private.
The death takes to 19 the confirmed number of people with the H1N1 virus who have died in Northern Ireland this flu season.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey expressed his sympathies to the family of the latest young victim, who was from the North.
“This is tragic news and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of this baby at this very sad and difficult time,” he said.
The minister had earlier passed his condolences to the family of the two-year-old boy.
He asked for both families’ privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
The fatalities will put further pressure on the authorities to re-think the policy decision not to vaccinate all under-fives against the virus, something which was done last year. Only infants in ’at-risk’ health categories are being vaccinated.
After the death of the two-year-old was announced, Mr McGimpsey said medical advisers remained of the opinion that the vaccination programme should not be extended.
“I understand that this news (of the death) may heighten public anxiety, particularly among parents of young children,” he said
“I have recently spoken to other UK health ministers about the North’s current flu picture. I have also spoken to Mary Harney, the Republic of Ireland’s health minister.
“In addition, I have consulted with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) about the particular circumstances here. They do not recommend extending the vaccination programme beyond the current at-risk groups.”
The North’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: “The important message is that anyone in an at-risk group who has not yet been vaccinated should do so as soon as possible.
“We continue to offer vaccinations to any child under five in an at-risk group as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
“The question has been posed if we should extend to healthy under-fives.
“I know the JCVI is keeping this under close and active review and we will continue to be guided by their expert advice.
“I also want to assure the public we have a safe and effective vaccine available in Northern Ireland to provide protection against swine flu. GP practices should continue to order the vaccines they require through the normal channels.”
