A/H1N1 jabs start in more countries

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The northern hemisphere is entering its flu season and more countries are beginning vaccination programs for A/H1N1. Medical staff, pregnant women and other high-risk groups are first in line.

Hospitals in South Korea began their first round of A/H1N1 vaccination on Tuesday.

The Health and Welfare Ministry says 35 percent of its population will have received doses by next February. So far, the virus has claimed 25 lives in the country.

Germany also began its mass vaccinations on Monday, starting with medical professionals, police officers and high risk groups.

German authorities have ordered 50 million doses of vaccine, and some 30 percent of its population will be vaccinated by the end of this winter.

Meanwhile, a vaccine program has begun in Canada. Pregnant women past their 20th week and adults under 65 with chronic medical conditions are among the first groups.

Health officials say there will be enough vaccine for everyone who needs and wants it, but people will need to be patient and let the priority groups get vaccinated first. This is the largest immunization campaign in the country.

The United States has declared A/H1N1 a national emergency. Health officials say more than 22 million doses of vaccine are now available, and they predict most Americans should soon find it easier to get their doses.

The pandemic has so far killed at least 1,000 Americans and caused mild illness in many millions of others.