AS THE first batches of the swine flu vaccine arrive in Plymouth, city health bosses have said taking up the jab will save lives.

Deb Lapthorne, Plymouth's director of public health, said the second pandemic wave was under way and urged people to protect themselves and others by accepting the vaccine.

Vaccination of front-line staff and high-risk patients has begun at Derriford Hospital, after 1,500 doses were delivered on Friday.

Community health services have received a further 1,500 for staff, and GP surgeries are expected to get 500 doses each this week.

High priority patients, such as pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions, will be contacted by letter or phone in the coming days.

Ms Lapthorne said it is hoped all high-priority patients will have been offered the free vaccine by Christmas, and the rest of the population in the New Year.

She said: "The second wave of the flu pandemic is officially under way.

"High rates of vaccination will both save lives and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care.

"The bottom line is that not getting vaccinated means you're taking a risk with your own health, and potentially compromising the safety of others as well as your families."

Current figures suggest that so far the virus is spreading more slowly than could have been the case, but the Department of Health is warning the NHS to prepare for the possibility of an epidemic in many parts of the country over the next six months, said Ms Lapthorne.

Ninety three people have died nationally, none of them in Plymouth.

Ms Lapthorne said: "It seems to be the case that for most people, the effects of swine flu are mild. However, what we have seen in recent months is that the virus can cause a potentially dangerous illness in anyone who catches it – and particularly in pregnant women and those in groups at risk from seasonal flu."

GP practices will be ordering more supplies of the swine flu vaccine as and when they need them.

Dr Peter Rudge, city GP and NHS Plymouth professional executive chair, said: "Having the swine flu vaccination will mean you can protect yourself and protect your family.

"For those people who are in one of the priority groups for the swine flu vaccination they will be invited to go to an immunisation clinic or to make an appointment at their surgery. Not everyone in the country will get their vaccine at exactly the same time, so don't worry if you don't hear from your GP surgery straight away."

Anyone worried about flu-like symptoms can call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513100.

VACCINE: programme

GPs will contact patients at the greatest risk of experiencing severe illness with swine flu. This includes:

– People aged over six months and under 65 years who are normally offered a seasonal flu jab because of a health condition such as heart, kidney or liver disease, asthma or diabetes.

– Pregnant women (The Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Liam Donaldson has said the risk from swine flu far outweighs concerns women may have about receiving vaccination during pregnancy).

– Those who live with people with compromised immune systems, for example patients on treatment for cancer.

– People aged 65 and over who are in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups. This does not include otherwise healthy over-65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

The Government has said there will be enough vaccine for the entire population

– with mass vaccination of the general public expected to take months.

Swine flu vaccination is free and not compulsory.

Most adults and older children will only need one dose.

People who think they have had swine flu will still be offered the vaccine unless they have had a confirmed laboratory test.

As the winter approaches, people are also being called for their routine, seasonal flu jabs, which can be done at the same time.

NHS Plymouth has produced a swine flu advice video featuring local health staff.