Swine flu: Vaccination to start next week

Friday 16th October 2009, 2:58PM BST.

Immunisation specialist Dr Linda Diggle says that the vaccine is safe

A PROGRAMME to vaccinate the first 5,000 Islanders against swine flu will start next week, the Health Department has announced.

Health care workers will receive the vaccine on Tuesday, with pregnant women being offered the drug at the General Hospital from the following Monday (26th October).

Islanders with underlying health conditions and those who live with people who suffer from an illness which lowers their immune system will soon be able to receive the vaccine from their GP.

A further announcement on this is expected later in the month. But the Health Department has warned that it could be several months before the Island receives enough of the vaccine to immunise the whole population.

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