H1N1 vaccination campaigns begin in Spain & Greece

Spain has launched its mass H1N1 flu vaccination campaign, which will initially target the highest-risk groups. Unlike in France, where all the government ministers are queuing up for their jabs, Spain’s ministers are being given a free choice. 37 million doses will be used in the next month.

“It worries me more that I will get it and then pass it to others.That scares me because I have grandchildren and I don’t want to give it to them, it would be my fault if they fell ill,” said one sprightly elderly lady.

Those deemed high risk include pregnant women, the long-term sick, and health and essential public sector workers.

Greece is also following suit, with its health minister leading by example to encourage people to be vaccinated. Seven million doses are immediately available, with , again, health workers, pharmacists, and emergency personnel top of the list. It will gradually be extended to the rest of the population.

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tags: Greece