Norwegians urged to get vaccination against swine flu

Norwegians urged to get vaccination against swine fluOslo - All citizens of Norway were urged Friday to vaccinate themselves against the A(H1N1) virus, or swine flu.

The Nordic country of 4.8 million people has registered 10 deaths among more than 2,000 cases reported.

"Norway is well prepared for this pandemic," Health Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen said at a news conference, saying enough vaccines had been ordered for the whole population.

Ongoing vaccinations of risk groups including people suffering from chronic heart or lung disease, or diabetes were to be concluded before the rest of the population would be offered vaccinations.

The vaccinations of the risk groups was estimated to be finished by mid-November, she said.

Strom-Erichsen earlier this week took over as health minister in a cabinet reshuffle.

The vaccination recommendation was issued after a meeting of public health authorities. (dpa)