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Flu jab for special needs pupils Flu jab for special needs pupils
(about 3 hours later)
A swine flu vaccination programme for hundreds of children with complex special needs begins today.A swine flu vaccination programme for hundreds of children with complex special needs begins today.
It comes after three more people in Northern Ireland died from illnesses related to the H1N1 virus on Wednesday.It comes after three more people in Northern Ireland died from illnesses related to the H1N1 virus on Wednesday.
Two of the victims are understood to be children who attended special schools and the third a 62-year-old man.Two of the victims are understood to be children who attended special schools and the third a 62-year-old man.
An emergency meeting involving the health and education ministers along with senior officials from both departments is set to be held later. Senior health officials are due to meet politicians later to discuss concerns over how the virus is being dealt with in special schools.
On Wednesday, a second child from Foyleview special school in Londonderry, Ashleigh Lynch, died after contracting swine flu.On Wednesday, a second child from Foyleview special school in Londonderry, Ashleigh Lynch, died after contracting swine flu.
Many of those who attend special schools have underlying health problems and are affected by ordinary seasonal flu as well Jim WellsStormont health committeeMany of those who attend special schools have underlying health problems and are affected by ordinary seasonal flu as well Jim WellsStormont health committee
Ashleigh's fellow pupil, 14-year-old Orla O'Kane, died last week.Ashleigh's fellow pupil, 14-year-old Orla O'Kane, died last week.
Ashleigh was one of three people to die on Wednesday after contracting the virus.Ashleigh was one of three people to die on Wednesday after contracting the virus.
The health department said a 62-year-old man with swine flu had died but "it was not the cause of his death".The health department said a 62-year-old man with swine flu had died but "it was not the cause of his death".
A third patient with swine flu and other complex health issues has also died in hospital.A third patient with swine flu and other complex health issues has also died in hospital.
No further details were released, but it is understood the victim was a young child who attended a special school in Belfast and had been in intensive care.No further details were released, but it is understood the victim was a young child who attended a special school in Belfast and had been in intensive care.
Preparations for the vaccination programme in special schools were already in place before these latest deaths.Preparations for the vaccination programme in special schools were already in place before these latest deaths.
Testing callTesting call
Foyleview special school principal Michael Dobbins said they had not been advised to close the school, despite the deaths of two pupils.Foyleview special school principal Michael Dobbins said they had not been advised to close the school, despite the deaths of two pupils.
"Special schools are a hub for a range of services for children with special needs - they receive a range of therapies which in some cases are central for maintaining their conditions and enhancing their lives," he said."Special schools are a hub for a range of services for children with special needs - they receive a range of therapies which in some cases are central for maintaining their conditions and enhancing their lives," he said.
Preparations have been in place to vaccinate children with special needsPreparations have been in place to vaccinate children with special needs
"Our focus is about being there for our children and families - I haven't had one phonecall from a parent suggesting we close. In fact it's been the opposite."Our focus is about being there for our children and families - I haven't had one phonecall from a parent suggesting we close. In fact it's been the opposite.
"The last thing we want to do is close, but if we get medical advice suggesting we close, we will take it.""The last thing we want to do is close, but if we get medical advice suggesting we close, we will take it."
He added: "Ashleigh and Orla brought so much to the lives of their families and to us as a school - it's heartbreaking."He added: "Ashleigh and Orla brought so much to the lives of their families and to us as a school - it's heartbreaking."
His counterpart at a special school in Dundonald, east Belfast, called for all staff and pupils at special schools to tested for swine flu.His counterpart at a special school in Dundonald, east Belfast, called for all staff and pupils at special schools to tested for swine flu.
Tor Bank principal Colm Davis said it would "give staff and parents a level of reassurance".Tor Bank principal Colm Davis said it would "give staff and parents a level of reassurance".
Stormont health committee chairman Jim Wells said they were concerned, adding: "Many of those who attend special schools have underlying health problems and are affected by ordinary seasonal flu as well."Stormont health committee chairman Jim Wells said they were concerned, adding: "Many of those who attend special schools have underlying health problems and are affected by ordinary seasonal flu as well."
Dr Caroline Harper, director of public health, said it was a sad and difficult time for the families of those who died on Wednesday.Dr Caroline Harper, director of public health, said it was a sad and difficult time for the families of those who died on Wednesday.
We will gradually make arrangements to extend that programme to all such children and young adults in other schools Michael McGimpseyHealth ministerWe will gradually make arrangements to extend that programme to all such children and young adults in other schools Michael McGimpseyHealth minister
"I do have to say though, that the recent deaths are not entirely unexpected."I do have to say though, that the recent deaths are not entirely unexpected.
"The virus is now more widespread within the community and it's natural we will get an increased number of cases."The virus is now more widespread within the community and it's natural we will get an increased number of cases.
"While for the vast majority of people this remains a mild illness, there are a very small number of people who do suffer more serious complications, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions themselves, or pregnant woman, are another particular at risk group.""While for the vast majority of people this remains a mild illness, there are a very small number of people who do suffer more serious complications, particularly if they have underlying medical conditions themselves, or pregnant woman, are another particular at risk group."
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride said the vaccination programme was a priority.Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride said the vaccination programme was a priority.
"We are starting on Thursday and Friday to target in the first instance all children attending schools for children with severe learning disability," he said."We are starting on Thursday and Friday to target in the first instance all children attending schools for children with severe learning disability," he said.
"We will then gradually make arrangements over the next number of days and next number of weeks to extend that programme to all such children and young adults in other schools.""We will then gradually make arrangements over the next number of days and next number of weeks to extend that programme to all such children and young adults in other schools."
Ten people from Northern Ireland who had the virus have died - eight in NI and the other two in England and Spain.Ten people from Northern Ireland who had the virus have died - eight in NI and the other two in England and Spain.