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A mass vaccination programme against swine flu has begun in the South West to protect frontline NHS staff and people at greater risk from the virus.

 

Doctors, nurses, midwives and all other NHS staff who have direct contact with patients are being offered the vaccination, to protect them against swine flu and ensure they cannot pass it on to patients.  

 

GPs will contact people in the higher risk groups, including:

 

• Those aged over six months and under 65 years who are normally offered a seasonal flu jab because of a health condition such as heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma or diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Those who live with people with compromised immune systems, for example patients on treatment for cancer
• People aged 65 and over who are in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups. At this stage, this does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity.

There is no need to contact your GP.  People who normally have a seasonal flu vaccination are advised that it is safe to have both vaccines at the same time.
Anyone who thinks they need treating for swine flu should call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100.

 

For information and advice about swine flu, call 0800 1 513 513

 

 

To see Dr Gabriel Scally, Regional Director of Public Health, speak about the launch of the swine flu vaccination campaign click here.