How do I get the swine flu vaccine?
Updated on 26 October 2009
Pregnant women and other 'priority' patients can receive the swine flu vaccination from GPs today. Find out how to receive the vaccine and whether you are in the priority group here.
Four and a half million doses of the vaccine are now arriving at GP surgeries across the country so that family doctors can begin offering the jab to people with health problems, damaged immune systems or pregnant women.
Expectant mothers are being urged to take up the offer because their suppressed immune system makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
At this stage the vaccine is being offered "invitation only". Patients will be contacted by their GPs for the vaccine if they fall into one of the at-risk categories. However if you do not hear from your doctor in a few weeks and believe you are in the priority group you are advised to contact your GP.
The order of priority is:
- People aged from six months to 65-years-old in current seasonal flu risk groups.
- All pregnant women.
- Those living with people with damaged immune systems such as patients receiving cancer treatment.
- People aged over 65 in the current seasonal flu risk groups.
