Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang urges people in high-risk groups for human swine flu to get inoculated before the winter flu peak arrives in January.

Speaking on a radio talk show today Dr Tsang said the flu peak season is expected between January and February. As it takes at least two weeks for the vaccine to develop antibodies in the body, he urged people in high risk groups - those aged 65 or above, pregnant women, children aged six months to less than six years, chronic patients and pig industry workers - to get inoculated before the flu peak arrives.

He emphasised the vaccine is safe and recognised by the World Health Organisation. It offers up to 90% protection against the virus and can significantly lower the chance of complications from it.

More than 23,000 people have received the jabs since the Government's swine flu vaccination programme started December 21. A large proportion of them have been the elderly and chronic patients. No reports of serious adverse effects have been received.

From December 28 people can get inoculated at private clinics. High-risk patients will receive a Government subsidy of $129 per dose. Details of participating doctors and vaccine fees are available here.