A/H1N1 flu vaccinations begin in Britain

LONDON, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- A mass immunization program againstA/H1N1 flu began in Britain on Wednesday.

The National Health Service hospitals have begun to vaccinate frontline healthcare workers and patients who fall into "at risk" categories, according to the Department of Health in England.

The Chief Medical Officer of England was urging all A/H1N1 flu priority groups to take up the offer of vaccination against the virus.

The vaccination program would be carried out around the country over the next few weeks, said the department, adding that doctors would contact patients who were listed in the at-risk categories, such as pregnant women and people aged 65 and over.

The British government estimated that over 11 million people in England would be offered the vaccine in the first instance, including around 2 million frontline health and social care workers.