Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea, who is overseeing the campaign against the H1 N1 (swine flu) virus took the vaccination at Cospicua health centre this afternoon and said fears that the vaccination was unsafe were unfounded.

Mr Galea said 24,265 people have been vaccinated since Saturday and the process was continuing in health centres.

The vaccination is being given to vulnerable groups including health sector workers, people suffering chronic diseases, pregnant women and those having diabetes.

The process will eventually be extended to the whole of the population.

Mr Galea said a number of H1 N1 patients were currently in hospital, with one in intensive care.

There have been four fatalities in Malta so far, three Maltese and a Spaniard.

Ray Busuttil, Director-General of Health - who took the vaccine some days ago - criticised doctors who are allegedly cautioning against taking the vaccine and said they should read official literature that has been sent to them.

He said that the plan remained for 100,000 people to be vaccinated in 10 days, despite such groundless fears.