The first swine flu vaccination clinics have been taking place in Surrey, with people at most risk from the virus being the first to get the jab.

GP practices across the county have been writing to people in the four priority groups to invite them to be immunised.

The first to get protection from the virus are people aged from six months to 65 suffering from asthma, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, with compromised immune systems, stroke victims and pregnant women.

Welcoming the start of the vaccination clinics, Helen Atkinson, associate director of public health at NHS Surrey, praised the work of staff in GP practices who have organised the clinics so swiftly.

She said: “It’s great news that we’re starting to offer vaccination to people most at risk from swine flu and that they’re getting the protection the jab offers. I'd really encourage people who are offered the vaccination to get booked in.

“GP practices across the county have been working extremely hard to get the clinics set up and get their priority patients invited.”

Every UK surgery had been sent an initial batch of 500 vaccines to offer to the highest risk group – enabling more than 70,000 people in Surrey to be amongst the first to benefit.

She added: “Clearly it’s going to take time, so I’d ask people to be patient; vaccinations will take place as quickly as possible and there will be enough for everyone.”

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.

If you have think you could have swine flu and have chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, are over 65, are pregnant, or if you have a child under one with symptoms, you should telephone your usual GP service rather than use the National Pandemic Flu Service.

• See our swine flu section for the latest updates