SWINE FLU – Advice on vaccines for Rheumatology Patients

10 December 2009

Department of Health advice on swine flu vaccines and the number of inoculations needed

View general advice on swine flu.

For more information, visit the NHS website

What are the names of the swine flu vaccines?

The swine flu vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is called Pandemrix and the vaccine manufactured by Baxter is called Celvapan.

What dosage will be given for each vaccine?

The following vaccination schedule is recommended in the UK:

Pandemrix:

• For all children aged from six months to nine years:
  two half doses (0.25ml each) given with a minimum of three weeks between doses.

• For individuals aged 10-59:
  one dose (0.5ml) given. 

• For individuals aged 60 years and over:
  one dose given (this advice will be reviewed when more data become available).

 

• For individuals aged 10 years and over with weakened immune systems: two doses (0.5ml each) given with a minimum of three weeks between doses.

Celvapan:

• For children aged from six months and adults:
  two doses (0.5ml each) given with a minimum of three weeks between doses.