ONLY half the people in Sidmouth, who have been offered the swine flu vaccine, have opted for the injection. Doctors sent out nearly 500 letters to those in the highest of four risk categories earlier this month but around 200 people have declined the of

ONLY half the people in Sidmouth, who have been offered the swine flu vaccine, have opted for the injection.

Doctors sent out nearly 500 letters to those in the highest of four risk categories earlier this month but around 200 people have declined the offer.

NHS Devon say it is too early to indicate take-up rate figures around the county but reports suggest that some surgeries have been inundated with calls from patients about the vaccine.

Rob Spargo, practice manager at Sidmouth Health Centre, said: "Swine flu vaccines are still limited at present and therefore we are urging those patients who have received letters inviting them to have a vaccination to either phone or book an appointment, or if they do not wish to have a vaccination to return the reply slip from the letter or let us know via the link to our website.

"By letting us know they do not wish to have a vaccination we can offer that vaccine to another 'at risk' patient and therefore make the most of the limited supply."

Sidmouth Health Centre has submitted an order for more vaccine but a delivery date has not yet been confirmed.

Mr Spargo added: "As soon as we receive more vaccine we will write to the eligible 'at risk' patients inviting them to the special swine flu vaccination clinics."

He asked people to note that they must book an appointment at a special clinic as the vaccine will not be administered to eligible patients at other times.

NHS Devon is urging those who have been offered the vaccine to take it up.

* If you suspect you have swine flu call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

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