Tags: Celvapan, Cork, Ireland, Patricia Gosch, politics, swine flu, vaccine

CORK councillor Patricia Gosch is calling on the HSE and Department of Health to publicise the fact that the Celvapan Swine Flu vaccine is available at vaccination clinics to pregnant women.

According to the Cork North Central councillor, “I know that many pregnant women are worried about taking the Pandemrix vaccine which contains mercury. Despite the fact that the vaccine is licensed by the European Medicines Agency and the Irish Medicines Board it remains the case that many pregnant women are reluctant to take it.

“An alternative vaccine, Celvapan is available through the vaccination clinics that have been set up around the country but many pregnant women don’t seem to be aware of this. It is vital that pregnant women are made aware that this vaccine is available now. Evidence suggests that pregnant women are four times more likely to suffer serious complications from Swine Flu.

“It does not help matters that in Germany the Federal Vaccination Agency has advised against pregnant women taking Pandemrix as have the health authorities in Switzerland. Swine Flu has the potential to be a very serious illness for pregnant women and we must do all we can to encourage them to get the Celvapan vaccine as quickly as possible,” she said.

Cllr Gosch added that anyone who is worried about Swine Flu or wants to get vaccinated should consult their own GP in the first instance.