HSE vaccination initiative targeting newborns to get underway

By Louise Doyle

THE HSE is to ramp up vaccination programmes, including a new initiative this weekend for newborn babies in a bid to tackle an anticipated winter surge in respiratory infections.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West, Dr Anthony Breslin, told the Donegal News that a focused drive is underway to boost vaccination uptake rates to keep infection rates at bay.

It comes as Letterkenny University Hospital this week issued a statement detailing a significant surge in activity, particularly in its Emergency Department (ED), leading to extended waiting times for patients.

Over the past week, the ED has seen 1,015 people, placing immense pressure on the hospital’s resources.

Adding to the strain is a notable increase in Covid-19 cases, both in terms of presentations and admissions. On Tuesday, there were 14 Covid-19-positive patients receiving treatment at LUH.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Dr Breslin said that while winter infection trends are hard predict at this stage, he said the mainstays of influenza and Covid-19 remain.

“The old mainstay of influenza is here, but it is very hard to know what kind of peaks we will get. Our friend Covid it still around at the moment. It does not have a seasonal picture, it comes in waves.”

A Respiratory Syncytial (RSV) vaccination programme for newborn babies will begin this weekend. Dr Breslin said people are being encouraged to avail of necessary vaccinations to help reduce the spread of a number of respiratory infections.

“We are trying to encourage the flu vaccine among children and adults, as it will certainly reduce impact within our community.

“An RSV vaccine programme in newborn babies is starting this weekend, before they leave hospital, and we are hoping that will have a positive impact and keep the spreading of infections at bay.

Over the past number of weeks, an alarming number of new cases have been reported, particularly in the North Donegal area. Asked how concerned he was about a Measles outbreak locally, Dr Breslin urged people to remain vigilant.

The only reliable protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which requires two doses to provide full immunity.

“Childhood vaccine rates are up 91 per cent but Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) is down to 83 per cent – that is an eight per cent difference.

However, this figure falls short of the 90 per cent coverage needed to ensure full protection of the population and to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The vaccination uptake for measles has fallen off. Measles is one of the easiest viruses to spread and once it gets out there it will spread very quickly around schools, homes and our community.

“Anyone concerned about measles and contacting their GP about it are urged to ring ahead to their surgery rather than just arriving, so that arrangements can be put in place to prevent it from spreading.”

Dr Breslin urged anyone who becomes unwell with respiratory conditions to “stay away from others” until feeling better.

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