UK-wide swine flu vaccination begins
Updated on 21 October 2009
A UK-wide programme to vaccinate millions of people against swine flu begins, with seriously ill hospital patients and the staff caring for them first in line for the jab.
From next week, pregnant women and people with health problems and damaged immune systems will be contacted by their GPs.
The government has not yet decided if the vaccination will be rolled out across the whole population.
Swine flu vaccine: click here to read our expert panel's answers to your questions.
The spread of the virus peaked in the summer and has started rising again, with schools hit hard.
The Department of Health estimated that there were 27,000 new cases of Swine flu in England last week, and suggests the number is doubling every two weeks.
Pregnant women, children and those with underlying health conditions may be more likely to get the virus, and the Health Protection agency is urging them to consider being vaccinated.
The UK has bought 60 million doses of the vaccine and has a provision for 132 million, enough for every person in the country.
Side effects for the swine flu jab are expected to be similar to those of seasonal influenza vaccines and can include local reactions at the injection site, such as soreness, swelling and redness. Fever, headache, muscle and joint aches can also occur but are much less frequent reactions.
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. Transmission is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu and the infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.
The Health Protection Agency is urging people to maintain good hygiene in order to reduce the spread of swine flu. It recommends:
- washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus
- from your hands to face or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
