Jan 12, 2011

Vaccinate all children against swine flu, say parents who lost girl

Lana Ameen, who had no underlying health problems, died on Boxing Day, two days after apparently catching a cold and developing a high temperature.

Her parents Zana and Gemma Ameen, a doctor and nurse, said the "price was too high" not to vaccinate children against the potentially deadly swine flu (H1N1) virus.

Mrs Ameen, 28, said: "We have been so shocked by what has happened and we feel very strongly that everyone, particularly children, should have the vaccine."

She believed Government policy was "clearly excluding a large amount of the public from being protected from this virus" and said: "The Government has made the swine flu vaccine from last year available now - we should all be having it."

She had tried to get Lana vaccinated on the NHS but was refused because her daughter had no health conditions.

She described Lana as a "bright and bubbly girl" who was a "sweetheart" and was "just so healthy".

In the last fortnight the Government has come under fire for restricting use of the seasonal flu jab, which protects against swine flu and two other strains, among children.

Only those with health problems, such as neurological disorders or asthma, are eligible for the seasonal jab.

Since October 13 of the 50 people known to have died of flu have been children under 15. Nearly a third of all the victims (15 of 50) were previously healthy, not being in any 'at risk' category. Forty-five of the 50 deaths were from swine flu.

The Ameen family, from Quinton, Birmingham, were visiting relatives in Stockport, Greater Manchester, when Lana became ill on Christmas Eve. That night they took her to Stepping Hill Hospital where she was diagnosed with an infection and sent home.

Read more at The Telegraph

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