HSE orders 100,000 extra flu vaccines

The HSE has confirmed its ordered an extra 100,000 seasonal flu vaccines to help combat the swine flu virus.

The H1N1 infection rate is rising and people in at risk groups, including the elderly and pregnant women, are being advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

People are also being urged to go to their GP rather than turning up at hospital Aciddent and Emergency departments with flu-like symptoms.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Health spokesman Dr James Reilly said there is a risk of swine flu spreading because of hospital overcrowding.

Dr Reilly wants closed wards to be re-opened and staffed if necessary with agency nurses to alleviate the crisis.