The
Chief Medical Officer has advised that swine
flu continues to be a largely mild illness,
and the Health Service has responded in a
proportionate and timely fashion to the threat.
There is no sign yet of any major change in
the pattern or severity of the illness. On
that basis, the CMO has confirmed that our
advice to schools of 26 August remains our
best advice: individual school closures are
now of limited benefit in stopping the spread
of the disease. However, it is essential that
adults or children with flu-like symptoms
should stay away until they are free of those
symptoms.
We do
know that some groups are particularly vulnerable
to any illness, including swine flu. This
can include some children and young people
with particular health conditions, including
some complex disabilities such as cerebral
palsy, which can make it more difficult for
them to fight off viruses. We are therefore
providing, alongside guidance for mainstream
schools, guidance for special schools. This
advises them to seek Health Protection Agency
advice when they have cases, so that the HPA
can advise what measures to take, which may
in some cases mean a temporary closure to
reduce the risk to vulnerable children.
There
is now a vaccine available and distribution
has begun. I want to ensure that parents of
pupils with these conditions have all the
help and advice that they need to be aware
that their children are being given a high
priority for early access to vaccinations.
It is for parents to decide whether their
child should get vaccinated, but it is right
that schools are aware of the programme and
support the CMO's advice that children and
staff in at-risk groups should respond positively
when invited to get the vaccine.
For that
reason, the Health Protection Agency has now
made available guidance - versions for mainstream
schools and special schools - that you can
find below in Pdf format:
Advice for mainstream schools:
Managing
the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza (Swine
Flu) Virus
Advice for special schools:
Managing
the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza (Swine
Flu) Virus
Further
information may be found at the Health
Protection Agency
website.
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