Belgian doctors today are starting a large-scale vaccination drive against Influenza A (H1N1). Many municipalities have organised special days for residents to be vaccinated in groups, for example at town halls.

As in the Netherlands, the priority groups to get flu shots include the elderly, pregnant women, children under two and people with respiratory problems. Belgium also regards parents with babies a high-risk group. In the Netherlands, vaccine doses shots have been distributed among general practitioners last week. Vaccinations will begin on Monday, though some GPs have already started. On Monday the Health Council is expected to announce its advice on whether or not to vaccinate children. So far, they have been excluded from the priority groups.

Photo ANP