Swine flu vaccination latest news

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Want the latest info on the swine flu vaccine? Here we'll keep you up-to-date with who's getting the vaccine next - and any other info you need on the swine flu vaccination.

Swine flu vaccine latest news

19 November 2009: NHS prepare to give children the swine flu vaccine.

Children over 6 months and under 5 years will be the next group to be offered the swine flu vaccine - this is expected to start in December.

Children in this age group have been prioritised to receive the vaccine next as they are more likely than other groups to need to be hospitalised if they get swine flu.

At the moment, 7 million doses of the vaccine have already been distributed.

26 October 2009: GPs started to give the swine flu vaccine to priority patients.

The priority patients to get the swine flu vaccine first are as follows:

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.

21 October 2009: The swine flu vaccination programme started.

Frontline healthcare workers were offered the vaccine first, as they are likely to come into contact with the virus and 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 were also vaccinated.

If I'm in a priority group, how will I get the vaccine?

You will be contact by your GP if you or your children are in a priority group.

What have the experts said?

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said: 'Our first priority is to ensure that people with clinical risk factors, and frontline health and social care staff are vaccinated.

'Protecting those most at risk from the disease will reduce the levels of serious illness, and deaths. That's why we will shortly offer the vaccine to young children.

'Vaccination remains a personal choice, but I urge everyone who is offered the vaccine to accept it and protect themselves. While the risks of serious complications from flu may be small, the impact on those affected can be devastating.'