The vaccination programme against A/H1N1 novel influenza began in Greece on Monday with the administration of the vaccine to doctors and hospital staff.

According to the Greek monitoring centre for diseases, the response by doctors and nurses has been satisfactory and earlier objections concerning the safety of the vaccine had been largely swayed after the briefing given to the country's healthcare personnel.

Among the first to receive the vaccine at Athens' Evangelismos Hospital on Monday morning was Health Minister Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou, who said she had herself vaccinated in order to support the effort and stressed that the "weapon" against the new flu was the vaccine.

Concerning the government policy on schools and 'swine' flu, the minister said that there was no change of policy at this time but that the progress of the disease was being carefully monitored and additional measures would be taken if necessary.

Greece's Pneumological Society also advised those with long-term respiratory problems to get vaccinated against H1N1 on Monday, stressing that doctors advising such patients to avoid the vaccine or failing to advise them to take it were guilty of bad practice.

It also advised smokers over the age of 40 to carry out tests to check whether they might be suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease that would make them more vulnerable to H1N1, stressing that many might be suffering from lung problems without being aware of it.