MANAMA: Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer became the first person in Bahrain to take the swine flu vaccine yesterday.

He helped kick start a government campaign to vaccinate the population against the deadly H1N1 virus, which has already killed six residents.

Dr Al Hamer was among more than 500 people vaccinated during an event at the Hamad Kanoo Health Centre in Riffa. Thousands are expected to take the shot as it is made available at all the health centres in the coming days.

The vaccination campaign was launched under the theme 'Your commitment to the H1N1 vaccine protects your family'. Hundreds flock for flu jabs - 4-5