Swine flu vaccine: 'UK is ahead of the world'

Wed Oct 21 2009 14:20:17

Gordon Brown is insisting the UK has been "ahead of the world" in tackling swine flu as the mass vaccination process got under way.

NHS hospitals have begun vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and their patients who fall into 'at risk' categories against swine flu.

At Commons question time, the Prime Minister said those who needed treatment for swine flu would receive antivirals "at the earliest opportunity".

"It is also right to say that we have been ahead of the world in purchasing the vaccines that are necessary and ahead of the world in making sure that those people who need treatment with antivirals have it at the earliest opportunity."

The vaccination programme will be rolled out over the next few weeks with GP surgeries receiving deliveries from next Monday.

Around two million health and social care workers will be offered the treatment.

This group is at increased risk of infection and of transmitting that infection to susceptible patients.

Protecting these people will help the NHS workforce to remain resilient and able to treat sick patients.

The scheme will then be rolled out to include at risk groups like pregnant women and pensioners.

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