Swine flu jabs now available for under 5s (Status: press release)

THE swine flu vaccination programme for children has begun in the Buckinghamshire PCT area, including Thame

All children over six months and under five years of age are now being offered the vaccine to protect them from swine flu and its possible complications.

Thousands of frontline healthcare workers and patients in at risk groups accross the county have already received the vaccine. Pre-school children have been identified by the Department of Health as the next priority for vaccination as figures show that they are a higher risk of hospitalisation compared to other age groups.

Acting Public Health Consultant, Dr Karthik Paranthaman, said: ?It is important for parents to get young children vaccinated, even if they are healthy, to protect against future waves of the virus. Evidence shows that pre-school children seem to be particularly vulnerable to severe illness as a result of swine flu, so having the vaccination is the best way to protect them from possible complications.?

GPs will be contacting parents over the coming weeks to invite their children to have the vaccine.