A new vaccination for swine flu is now being given out to try to stop the spread of the virus.
First in line to recieve the jab are hospital workers and ward patients, as they are most at risk. Doctors and nurses need the vaccine in order to stop them contracting and spreading the virus. Following hospital workers, pregnant women will be next to recieve the vaccine.
The government have not yet decided whether or not to immunise the whole population, although enough doses have been ordered. other people in the ‘priority group’ are those suffering with respiratory problems, such as asthma, anyone with underlying medical conditions and the over 65s. Sir Liam Donaldson, the government’s chief medical officer, has said this is the first pandemic for which we have had vaccine to protect people; and he’s urged everyone in the priority groups to have the vaccine.
So far, there have been 5oo, ooo confirmed cases of swine flu. Just over 100 people have died from the virus. The number of cases peaked over the summer and now is rising again as we head into the winter months. Although the vaccine has been produced speedily, Sir Liam said it is safe due to extensive pre-testing on a prototype.
