VACCINATIONS for swine flu began in Lincolnshire last week but people should avoid swamping GPs' surgeries with calls.

Priority patients including pregnant women, people with damaged immune systems and those at risk of seasonal flu will be able to get the H1N1 jab from this week.

But people are being urged not to harass doctors for the vaccination and instead wait to be contacted by a GP.

This invitation-only policy is in place to make sure everyone in the high priority category gets the jab as quickly as possible.

Amy Webb, 23, is a priority one patient because she is on immuno-suppressants.

She said: "I think the invitation-only system is a good idea because it will make sure priority one patients are looked after.

"I've recently moved surgery so I am a bit concerned I could be overlooked but I've decided to give them a week to get in touch with me before I call.

"I think some people would like the vaccination even if there is nothing really wrong with them and this system will stop that from happening before everybody at risk has been sorted out."

Last week, seriously ill hospital patients were given the injection as were health service staff caring for them.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the crucial vaccinations were well under way, but would take time to reach everyone.

Two vaccines will be used in the fight against swine flu, one manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and the other by Baxter.

The GSK one will be offered to most patients, but the Baxter vaccine is being reserved for people with egg allergies.

This is because the GSK jab was made using chicken eggs.

Most patients will only need one dose of the vaccine, but children and people receiving the Baxter version will need two doses, three weeks apart.

Janine Rayfield, immunisation co-ordinator for NHS Lincolnshire, said: "GPs will contact the at-risk patients when the vaccines have been delivered. This could take between one and three weeks.

"It is important patients wait until they are contacted to ensure GPs are not overloaded and are able to support the roll-out of the swine flu vaccination programme efficiently.

"Anyone who is worried about swine flu can visit www.nhs.uk or www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk for further information."

Although vaccination against swine flu is not compulsory, people in high-risk groups are being strongly advised to have the vaccination when it is made available.