Swine flu vaccine for pregnant women

A swine flu vaccination programme for pregnant women in the Isle of Man will begin early in the New Year.

They are being offered Calvapan, a World Health Organisation recommended vaccine, which must be taken in two doses, at least three weeks apart.

The DHSS says Calvapan is the vaccine of choice for pregnant women and those with egg allergy.

Appointments can be made from today, as DHSS spokesman Tony Jones explains (play audio file):

The website address is gov.im/swineflu and information is also available from GP's surgeries.

Pregnant women wishing to make an appointment to have the vaccination can ring 686663, on weekdays from 12 noon to 4pm.

The vaccination programme is due to start on January 4.