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Swine flu jags to begin in autumn Swine flu jags to begin in autumn
(20 minutes later)
A vaccination programme against swine flu is to get under way in the autumn, Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has announced.A vaccination programme against swine flu is to get under way in the autumn, Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
About 1.4 million people, including the elderly, front-line health workers and pregnant women, are to be given the vaccine first.About 1.4 million people, including the elderly, front-line health workers and pregnant women, are to be given the vaccine first.
A similar campaign is to be carried out in England and Wales at the same time.A similar campaign is to be carried out in England and Wales at the same time.
The Scottish Government also said the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Scotland was falling. The Scottish Government said the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Scotland fell for a second week.
Licensing decisions on the H1NI vaccine are expected at the end of September or beginning of October.Licensing decisions on the H1NI vaccine are expected at the end of September or beginning of October.
If approved, the first vaccinations will take place shortly afterwards.If approved, the first vaccinations will take place shortly afterwards.
The vaccine will be offered to people with chronic illnesses, including diabetes.The vaccine will be offered to people with chronic illnesses, including diabetes.
Anyone sharing a house with someone who suffers chronic disease could also be vaccinated.Anyone sharing a house with someone who suffers chronic disease could also be vaccinated.
Ms Sturgeon said: "At this stage, and this is subject to change, we anticipate being able to commence the vaccination programme some time in the middle of October."Ms Sturgeon said: "At this stage, and this is subject to change, we anticipate being able to commence the vaccination programme some time in the middle of October."
Specialist treatmentSpecialist treatment
The Scottish Government has said it will secure enough vaccine for the whole population - but early supply will be limited.The Scottish Government has said it will secure enough vaccine for the whole population - but early supply will be limited.
The impact of children returning to school will also be monitored.The impact of children returning to school will also be monitored.
Speaking at a briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: "We will be working with schools to put a focus on hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene messages in schools.Speaking at a briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: "We will be working with schools to put a focus on hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene messages in schools.
"It remains the case that that's the best way of reducing the spread of infection."It remains the case that that's the best way of reducing the spread of infection.
"Obviously, we will be monitoring carefully the impact of the school going back on the spread of the virus.""Obviously, we will be monitoring carefully the impact of the school going back on the spread of the virus."
Health officials estimate that there were about 3,100 new cases of swine flu in Scotland last week, down from 4,300 the previous week.Health officials estimate that there were about 3,100 new cases of swine flu in Scotland last week, down from 4,300 the previous week.
Five people suffering from the condition are known to have died, while 10 people are currently in hospital with the virus. Since the start of the outbreak, five people suffering from the condition are known to have died in Scotland, while 10 people are currently in hospital with the virus.
Meanwhile, a pregnant woman who was seriously ill with the virus and received specialist treatment in Sweden, is now back in Scotland.Meanwhile, a pregnant woman who was seriously ill with the virus and received specialist treatment in Sweden, is now back in Scotland.
However, Sharon Pentleton, 26, from North Ayrshire, remains in intensive care.However, Sharon Pentleton, 26, from North Ayrshire, remains in intensive care.