Published Thursday, 29 October 2009
Twenty-five Northern Irish schools have been hit with swine flu outbreaks since the start of the new term, health officials also revealed.
The impact of the pandemic across the region's education system was outlined in the aftermath of the outbreak at Foyleview Special School in Londonderry, where two pupils with swine flu died earlier this month.
Children and staff have been vaccinated in special needs schools across the region.
The health authorities have no plans to replicate this in mainstream schools, where the consequences of the virus spreading are less likely to be serious.
Dr Carolyn Harper, from the Public Health Agency NI, said there were no plans to close affected schools given the prevalence of the virus throughout Northern Ireland.
"It's important that people understand that they are as likely to be exposed to swine flu outside of school as they are in those settings," she said.
"This virus is likely to be with us certainly through the rest of this year, potentially into next year, and it's really not feasible in terms of maintaining a child's education to close schools."
Swine flu infection rates across the world continue to be highest among the five to 14 age group.
Pupils in mainstream schools who contract the illness are advised to take anti-virals and stay at home.
The full vaccination programme for the 2,500 or so children with special needs was completed last week.
The initial phase, which is targeted at front line health workers and individuals deemed to be in a high risk category, will be completed within four to five weeks.
During the weekly briefing, Chief Medical officer Dr McBride moved to allay concerns among some pregnant women about whether or not they should take the vaccine.
He insisted that it was safe and did not affect expectant mothers any differently to those who aren't pregnant.
Dr McBride said front line health providers were coping well despite the spread of the virus. He also stressed that the vaccine was being distributed to GPs as quickly as it was arriving from the manufacturers.
"Swine flu is clearly still circulating widely in the community," he added.
"Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are a priority within our vaccination programme and I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine when it is offered.
"It is the best defence against swine flu and will give these vulnerable people the protection they need," he said.