Another 5,500 vaccine doses arrive to bolster island stocks

SUSPECTED cases of swine flu have doubled in Guernsey in the past week.

Around 60 patients have reported serious flu-like symptoms to GPs who are starting to vaccinate islanders considered at high risk.

The Expert Flu Pandemic Team, headed by director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman, will consider extending the vaccination programme beyond the initial priority cases over the coming weeks.

After an initial 8,600 doses of the vaccine arrived in the island at the start of the month, a further 5,500 arrived this week.

Those considered high risk are people with long-term conditions, those with compromised immune systems through illness or treatment, their close contacts and pregnant women.

Dr Bridgman (pictured) was aware of the public's concerns over the swine flu vaccines.

'Vaccination is not compulsory, but is being recommended, particularly to those in the high-risk groups. The vaccine does not give the patient swine flu.'

Dr Bridgman said there had been reports of people feeling ill after receiving it.

Side-effects include a mild fever, swelling and soreness at the point of the injection and general aches and pains.