Shanghai has initiated a free flu vaccination program for the city's key people in the health, government, and security sectors.
It is estimated that more than five million people will benefit from this program, and they include staff of such key public service sectors as hospitals; customs; the public security department; the civil aviation department; transportation departments; and the food sector; as well as staff of kindergartens; students and teachers of middle and primary schools; and senior citizens over 60 years old.
It is learned that from mid-October 2009 to the end of this year, swine flu vaccinations will be given to these key groups and from mid-November 2009 to the end of February 2010, these people will be vaccinated against seasonal flu.
At present, the swine flu epidemic is becoming more rampant in China. By October 14, 2009, Shanghai had had 1,042 confirmed swine flu patients including two with serious symptoms.
