H1N1 vaccine programme

15 Oct 2009 04:18 PM

The H1N1 vaccination programme will begin in Scotland on October 21.

Further details on the plans which will be phased in over the next few weeks were announced today by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Sturgeon also revealed that the majority of the vaccine will be administered in a single dose. Children under the age of ten and in the at risk group will require two doses.

Frontline health and social care workers will be offered the vaccine at the same time as the first clinical risk group.

A total of 1.3 million people are in the Scottish priority groups for the first stage of the vaccination programme.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"Vaccination is the best defence we have against the H1N1 virus and I am pleased to be able to announce today the start date for the programme.

"Scotland is one of the first countries in the world to receive the vaccine supply thanks to contracts put in place before this outbreak.

"I strongly urge people in the at risk groups to have the vaccine. It is also vital that our health workers, who are at increased risk of infection and transmission, are protected against this virus so that they can continue their invaluable work.

"People should be reassured that the NHS in Scotland and its partner agencies are continuing to do everything they can to minimise the impact of this outbreak.

"Everyone can also play a part in minimising the spread of flu-like illness by following sensible hygiene measures."

GPs will begin to invite people in the at risk groups to come forward for the vaccination over the next few weeks. People should wait for this invitation from their GP. NHS Boards in Scotland are leading on the vaccination of the health and social care workforce.

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