Launch of swine flu vaccinations

TIRANA, Dec. 22 – On Tuesday health authorities started the vaccination against the H1N1 virus at a time when six people have already died due to the flu.
Vaccination started with health personnel at the hospitals and other medical clinics around the country.
The first shipment of 10,000 doses will be used to vaccinate the so-called at-risk groups of the population.
Health authorities say Albania has registered some 334 cases of H1N1 since the start of the epidemic.
After six deaths health authorities warn that the virus remains a serious health risk, particularly for patients with existing chronic health problems. They advise all persons in high-risk groups to exercise caution and to contact health clinics immediately in case of influenza symptoms. Some health personnel declined to have the vaccine fearing its side effects.
The vaccine is not obligatory.