THE first batch of swine flu vaccines for frontline NHS staff and inpatients has been delivered to Worcestershire Royal Hospital to protect people during what is forecast to be a tough winter.

Health bosses at NHS Worcestershire, the organisation co-ordinating the vaccination programme locally, estimates that between 10,000 and 15,000 NHS and social care staff will be vaccinated.

The first batch of 1,500 doses was delivered to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester yesterday which will be given to both NHS staff and inpatients deemed to be vulnerable. Next week further deliveries are expected to protect social care staff, frontline NHS staff and patients.

Over the next three to four weeks, the vaccines will also be delivered to GP practices so they can be administered to patients.

The first delivery to GPs is expected on Monday although some GP premises may not get the vaccines until Monday, November 23.

Hospital inpatients will be vaccinated from next week and GPs will start vaccinating in the community over the coming weeks. GPs will vaccinate people at highest risk first. Social care staff, who are also eligible for the vaccine, are people such as carers who have contact with vulnerable groups such as people with chronic conditions or health problems.

Dr Simon Parkinson, secretary of the Worcestershire Local Medical Committee, welcomed the vaccination programme yesterday although he has yet to receive the vaccine at his Redditch practice.

The seasonal flu vaccine is already available to everybody over 65 and people of all ages who have medical conditions which place them at risk, for example diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.

The new swine flu vaccine is for people with medical conditions which place them at risk and for pregnant women, who appear to be at heightened risk from swine flu.

This means that some people need to have both the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine.

The at-risk groups eligible for swine flu vaccination are people aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups, pregnant women, household contacts of people with damaged immune systems, people aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

Dr Richard Harling, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “This winter we are expecting the usual cases of seasonal flu. But on top of that we have the swine flu, so we are concerned that it could be a more difficult winter.”

Anyone who develops flu symptoms can call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) on 0800 1513 100 for advice.

The NPFS will assess their symptoms and ask them to send a Flu Friend to the nearest Antiviral Collection Point if medication is required, or see their GP if they need additional care.