Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland

What you need to know

If you have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or probable swine flu it is recommended you monitor your health closely for the next seven days.

There is no need for you to isolate yourself from other people as long as you remain well.

If you develop flu-like symptoms stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 24 on 0845 4 24 24 24.

The swine flu vaccination programme has started.Find out more about vaccinations.

The following questions and answers provide a more in depth look at vaccinations. The swine flu vaccination is a complex programme undertaken by the NHS and Scottish Government. Not all of the questions will be relevant to you but we hope to offer an insight to the vaccination programme.

For further information on swine flu vaccinations you can also call the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline: 08000 28 28 16.

In depth swine flu vaccinations Q&A

The following questions and answers provide a more in depth look at vaccinations. The swine flu vaccination is a complex programme undertaken by the NHS and Scottish Government. Not all of the questions will be relevant to you but we hope to offer an insight to the vaccination programme.

For further information on swine flu vaccinations you can also call the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline: 08000 28 28 16.

• What are the benefits of being given the swine flu vaccine?

• Will my ordinary (seasonal) flu vaccination also protect me against swine flu?

• Do you have a list of conditions that result in someone becoming immunocompromised (has a suppressed immune system)?

• Who is considered to be a ‘household contact’ of someone who is immunocompromised (has a suppressed immune system)?

• Do I need to get both the ordinary (seasonal) flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine?

• I have already had the swine flu, do I still need to get the vaccine?

• Is there anyone who should not receive the swine flu vaccine?

• When will everyone else who isn't in a priority group get the vaccine?

• Will I be given any information about the vaccination programme when I am given the vaccine at the clinic?

• Will I need to come to the doctor three times for my seasonal flu and swine flu vaccine?

• I have previously taken antiviral medication (eg Tamiflu or Relenza), do I still need the vaccination?

• I suffer from an egg allergy, which vaccine should I be given?

• How do we know if the vaccine works?

• How many doses of the vaccine will I need to have to be fully protected from catching swine flu?

• Have any of the swine flu vaccines been manufactured using porcine (derived from pigs) products?

• Will I develop Guillan-Barre syndrome (GBS) if I am given the swine flu vaccine?

• One of the swine flu vaccines contains thiomersal (a compound that contains mercury) – is this safe?

• Does the swine flu vaccine, or the syringes used to give the vaccine, contain latex?

• Will child vaccines be clearly marked?

• Will people who are 60 years and over need more than one dose of the vaccine?

• What is the guidance on whether any other vaccine can be given at the same time as the swine flu vaccine?

• Is Pandemrix ® safe to use in women who are pregnant ?

• Is there a specific vaccine that should be used for pregnant women?

• Is there a specific vaccine that should be used for babies aged over 6 months?