Germany to spend 2 billion euros on swine flu vaccinations

Jul 17, 2009, 12:55 GMT

Berlin - Germany expects to spend around 2 billion euros (2.8 billion dollars) on a massive vaccination campaign against swine flu, the ministry of health said Friday.

The first stage is to be launched in the autumn and is expected to provide enough vaccine for 22.5 million people, slightly more than a quarter of the population.

'The vaccination is a precautionary measure, because no one can tell how the new virus will develop in the coming weeks,' health ministry spokesman Klaus Vater told reporters.

Chronically ill patients, particularly those suffering from respiratory ailments, diabetes, circulatory problems, liver diseases and HIV infections will be among the first to be vaccinated.

They will be followed by health care workers, police officers, firefighters, public workers and pregnant women. The vaccinations are voluntary.

With more than 800 infections, Germany has the third-highest number of swine flu cases in Europe after Britain and Spain.

On Thursday, Health Minister Ulla Schmidt said that everyone in Germany who wants a swine flu vaccination will get one. The first batch of vaccine would be ready in September or October, she said.

The minister said Germans should pay particular attention to hygiene and anyone who notices flu symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

'That means, for example, don't sneeze in your hands! Use tissues! Wash your hands regularly with soap!' she said.

The vaccination campaign will be the biggest in Germany for more than 50 years.