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H1N1 death
21/10/2009
A 58 year old woman from the Borders who had been suffering from H1N1 has died. The patient had significant underlying health conditions.
At the request of her family, no further details will be released.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"This is devastating for her family and I send my sincere condolences to everyone who will miss her.
"Tragically there have been seventeen H1N1 related deaths in Scotland so far. Today marks the beginning of the vaccine programme and the next step in our battle against the pandemic.
"The first phase of the vaccine programme will be aimed at everyone who falls into the priority groups. I urge everyone who is invited by their GP to take up the vaccine, to help avoid tragedies like this in the future.
"The vaccination programme will have a phased introduction as we get supplies from the manufacturers, but we are confident everyone in the priority groups will be invited, by their own GP, to have the vaccine by Christmas.
"Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."
Further information about H1N1 and the vaccination programme is available via the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.