IMMUNISATION against swine flu has begun in the borough, with those believed to be most at risk receiving the first doses of the vaccine.

Staff at the paediatric and obstetric units at Hillingdon Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, were the first to be offered the vaccine to protect themselves and their patients.

Claire Sheppard, assistant director for flu resilience at the hospital, said: "We have been delighted with the uptake of the vaccine by hospital staff, which shows that staff under-stand its importance and value in protecting themselves, their patients and families."

The vaccine is available free on the NHS and is not available privately. Most people over 10 years old need only one dose and will be called by their GP.

People eligible for the seasonal flu jab will be offered it at the same time as the swine flu vaccine.

Healthy over-65s are not being prioritised since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Dr Anna Sharma, consultant paediatrician and clinical lead for immunisation in the borough, said: "The vaccine is safe, effective and is our best line of defence against swine flu.

"An independent committee of experts in the UK has recommended that all those in the priority groups should be offered the vaccine."