U-TURN ALLOWS ALTERNATIVE SWINE FLU JAB
The Department of Health has done a U-turn and will now allow pregnant women to have an alternative swine flu vaccine.Expectant mothers who refuse to have the Pandemrix jab because of safety fears can request the Celvapan vaccine instead.

Last month, Sky News exclusively revealed concerns about a chemical in Pandemrix that has never been tested on pregnant women.

Although there is no evidence that the immune-boosting adjuvant is harmful to the developing foetus, many women have refused to have the jab.

Ian Dalton, national director of flu resilience at the DoH, has now written to NHS chief executives instructing them to make Celvapan available.

It says: "As it is better to be vaccinated than not at all, and if a pregnant woman does not wish to receive Pandemrix, despite receiving clear advice about the more rapid protection this would offer, PCTs should ensure that there are arrangements in place for her to be able to receive Celvapan."



The Chief Medical Officer has insisted that Pandemrix is safe for expectant mothers.

It provides quicker protection because it only needs one dose.

Celvapan requires two doses, three weeks apart.

Pregnant women are given priority for the vaccine because they are at least four times more likely to suffer serious complications if they catch swine flu.

GP Dr Carol Cooper said there was a "huge level of concern" about Pandemrix among pregnant patients at the West London Medical Centre, although she still recommended the vaccine.

"I think this will reassure those who are concerned about the adjuvant," she said.

"But I am worried about the timing. I don't want them to delay vaccination just so they can get Celvapan. We don't have a supply in our practice."
Last Updated: 2009-11-23 12:51:37

Prev Story