Germany begins mass swine flu immunizations

The immunizations beginning Monday mark the largest program of its kind in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

People who work in health and safety occupations, such as doctors, nurses, rescue workers and police, will be the first to get the shots. Anyone suffering a chronic illness can also have the immunization.

Germany's 16 states are responsible for administering the immunizations in their own jurisdiction, however, that has resulted in different rules for each state.

Some will only allow the key occupational groups to get the first round of immunizations, with the rest of the population to have access in the coming days and weeks. Other states are allowing everyone access to the program from Monday.

50 million doses

The German states have collectively ordered 50 million doses of the vaccine Pandemrix from drug company GlaxoSmithKline.

It is still unclear if just one injection provides enough protection or if a second shot is necessary. The European Medicine's Agency will make a decision on the number of shots required by mid-November.

German authorities have been accused of developing a two-tier system for immunizations. The federal government had ordered a vaccine for top politicians, federal government officials and soldiers that differs from the vaccine ordered for the rest of the population.

Germany's Robert Koch Institute has reported three swine-flu-related deaths in the country.

ca/dpa/AP/Reuters

Editor: Nancy Isenson