Health authorities yesterday insisted that a swine flu vaccine due to be administered to health workers later this month is safe amid reports that many citizens are considering skipping the jab.

According to Eleni Giamarellou, a member of an advisory council for swine flu set up by the Health Ministry, the vaccine does not pose a health risk. Giamarellou said Sweden has already vaccinated 1.4 million citizens against swine flu with only 41 reports of side effects. Although the week beginning November 16 has been set aside for the vaccination of health workers, Giamarellou said citizens who really want the jab, which is not compulsory, will be able to get it. The appeal followed reports that most Greeks are reluctant to take the vaccine due to fears of side effects. Giamarellou said citizens should take the jab “now and not when the pandemic begins.” Experts believe some 2 million Greeks will be infected when the pandemic strikes.