Who will be vaccinated under the second phase of the vaccination programme?
Phase two of the vaccination programme was announced on 19 November.
What is the difference between seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1)?
Seasonal flu happens every year. Swine flu (H1N1) can be more severe than normal seasonal flu and as it is a new strain of virus, everyone is at risk of catching it.
This seems to be a pretty mild illness. Will we need to vaccinate the whole population? Have we procured too much and wasted a lot of money?
The H1N1 virus is new so we are all at risk of catching it. Whilst many people will experience only mild symptoms others may become seriously ill. Evidence from past pandemics has shown that we can expect a more severe second wave of the virus. Our job is to protect the population from that possibility and to take a precautionary approach and in procuring enough vaccine to protect the entire population we have done that.
What is happening in other countries within the UK?
All four nations have accepted the scientific advice on vaccination priority groups and are now working with the NHS and other organisations to develop plans for delivery of the first stage of the programme.
I'm worried about swine flu (H1N1) but I'm not in a priority group - what should I do?
People in the priority groups are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from H1N1. Most other people may only suffer mild symptoms.
If you think you may have swine flu (H1N1), stay at home and check your symptoms either on www.nhs24.com or you can call the swine flu information number on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice. Alternatively contact your GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
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