Doctors across Kent are set to start receiving supplies of the swine flu vaccine from today.

In the first wave all practices, no matter what their size, will get around 500 doses. Because this figure will not cover everyone in need at each surgery future deliveries will be made, although doctors do not know yet when that will happen.

Dr Julian Spinks, a GP based in Strood, said: "It's unlikely patients are going to start getting the vaccines on that day - practices are going to have to work out how to call people in.

"If you are in an 'at risk' group under the age of 65 - so people who have problems with heart disease, asthma, kidney disease and so on - you should be hearing from your practice asking you to come in to have the immunisation."

With the cooler weather now setting in the number of cases of swine flu across the country is rising. Just last week there was an increase of 50 per cent.

~ Visit the NHS website for more information on swine flu >>>