To mark the date of the commencement of the vaccination programme in the UK, which is being initiated at a similar time throughout many other parts of the world, we have compiled a collage that represents a cross section of views on what is, for many, a key decision effecting themselves, their loved ones and family members.
These opinions remind us just how divided public views are and we can only imagine that should any state, country or region decide to implement a mandatory vaccination programme there will be massive public resistance.
‘I would not have the swine flu jab because of the GBS risk.’ Senior neurologist from The British Neurological Surveillance Unit (BNSU), part of the British Association of Neurologists.
‘It is important for pregnant women to be immunised as they have a particularly high risk of complications from swine flu’ Sir Liam Donaldson
‘While a vaccine might be produced next month the clinical trial data to ensure it is safe will not be available for a further two to three months.’ Dr Margaret Chan, Head of the WHO
‘Vaccine safety cannot be measured directly’ Centres for Disease Control (CDC)
"Loads of people say that seasonal flu is not that dangerous and not that many people die per year. If the H1N1 is similar to that why make such a fuss about it?" Françoise Grossetête, a French Member of the EPP group
“This is definitely a safe vaccine for people to get." Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
"Concerns over vaccination safety and pregnancy are theoretical with no evidence to support those concerns even for live virus vaccines." Professor David Salisbury, Director of immunisation at the Department of Health
"Basically, the swine flu is the flu. I'm not overly excited about it," said Julie Uehlein, a Tullahoma, Tenn., mother who is against swine flu vaccinations for her 8-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter.
"I would have no hesitation about getting my kids vaccinated by thimerosal-containing vaccines." Dr. Tom Frieden, head of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
“I am fully able to admit that I am completely freaked out about my kids getting it [swine flu vaccination] this season.” Concerned mother of three
“I'm 14 weeks pregnant, and I just can't see taking a chance of harming myself or my unborn child with a vaccine they really know nothing about.” Concerned mother-to-be
"Lots of mums on Mumsnet are questioning whether giving the swine flu vaccine to their children is a good idea.” Justine Roberts, Co-founder of mumsnet.com
“The vaccine is safe, effective, and the best defense against the spread of the disease.” Health Officials, Centers for Disease Control
“It should be a personal decision based up risk versus benefit.” Dr Jennifer Ashton, CBS News medical correspondent
"I don't want to have that kind of vaccination in my child yet until I know it's safe - 100 percent safe," Kori Buro, concerned mother
"We would hope that everyone who has a chance to get vaccinated does get vaccinated," WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl
"I have more concern about the vaccine than I do about the swine flu" Dr Kent Holtorf, Infectious Disease Expert
“What we’ve got is a massive guinea-pig trial.” Jackie Fletcher of the campaign group, Jabs
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