“Each health district in the state has been working on a vaccination plan, which is tailored to local needs,” Ms Katie Jefford, Director of Nursing at the Goondiwindi Hospital said.

“Vaccination is available at a range of locations including GP offices and the hospital. The vaccine is provided free, but a consultation fee may be charged by some healthcare providers.

“Initially we will be concentrating on vaccinating groups who are vulnerable to more severe outcomes from this virus including pregnant women, Indigenous people and people with underlying medical conditions.

“These medical conditions include heart disease, asthma and other lung diseases, cancer, obesity, diabetes, kidney and liver disease and neurological disease. Parents and guardians of infants up to six months old, and children aged 10 and older in special schools are also a high priority for vaccination.”

“Family, carers and friends of vulnerable people are also encouraged to be vaccinated. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated should see their General Practitioner or health care provider.”

Initially children under 10 years would not be vaccinated, as data from the trials on younger children will not be available until late October or early November.

“As some people would have found previously, vaccines can cause minor adverse effects in a few cases such as low-grade fever, pain or redness at the injection site and parents and patients should be advised on how to manage these events should they occur.” Vaccination was recommended for most people, whether in a vulnerable group or not. As with other similar vaccines, people with a known severe allergy to eggs should not be vaccinated.

“This virus is likely to continue to circulate in Australia in the warmer months and could come back and affect large numbers in the 2010 Australian winter, or even earlier,” Ms Jefford said. People should also be mindful that seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the human swine flu virus and this vaccine will not protect against seasonal flu.”

More information on human swine flu is available at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swin eflu. Vaccination Clinic Times at the Goondinwindi Hospital:

Tuesday October 27 10a.m. – 12pm

Tuesday November 310a.m. – 12pm