Swine flu vaccination 'will take up to eight months'

Minister for Health Mary Harney says it could take six to eight months to vaccinate the entire population against swine flu.

Ten people have died here after contracting the virus, while at least 10,000 people per week are getting swine flu.

Harney also moved to reassure GPs not taking part in the immunisation programme that they are protected from being sued.

She told the Dáil today that as soon as vaccines arrive in the country, the plan for each section of the population will be rolled out, but this will take time.

"From next week on, it is hoped to start with infants, with people between six months and four years, pre-school children and indeed health care workers," she said.

"After that, the over-65s and school children - and the rest of the population will come after that".

"It could be up to eight months before we get to everybody; it depends on the take up and the speed at which we get stocks of the vaccine."