Swine flu vaccine given to priority patients

Swine flu vaccine is given to priority patients

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21 October 2009: The swine flu vaccination programme started, offering frontline healthcare workers immunisation against the virus first.

Healthcare staff were prioritised as they will be likely to come into contact with the virus - and they could spread it to patients. It will also mean they won't be off sick with the virus - so they'll be able to carry on treating others.

Hospital patients who fall into at-risk categories are also now being vaccinated.

26 October 2009: From this week, GPs will administer the swine flu vaccine for 'priority' patients.

Who makes the priority list?

People (between 6 months and 65 years) who are in the normal seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups
All pregnant women
People who have regular close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system - for example people who live with someone who is having treatment for cancer.
People who are aged 65 or over and are in a clinical at-risk group. Healthy over 65s won't be a priority as they seem to have some immunity.

When and how will I get it?

Vaccines have arrived at the GP surgeries and will be rolled out over the next few weeks. You will be contacted by your GP if you fall into an at-risk group.

What have the experts said?

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said: 'This is the first pandemic for which we have had vaccine to protect people. I urge everyone in the priority groups to have the vaccine - it will help prevent people in clinical risk groups from getting swine flu and the complications that may arise from it'.