The pregnant women from Devon have been recently offered vaccinations for protection against the deadly swine flu infection. These inoculations are being offered as part of the annual vaccinations.

Pregnant women were not included in the vaccination list before this and this is the first incidence when they have been made a part of the eligible group for shots along with people over 65 years of age or those who are suffering with long-term illness.

Jacquie Morse, a spokesperson from NHS Devon said that last year few women who were pregnant got infected with the swine flu strain and they have taken this step to avoid the same to happen again.

She spoke, "If you have the flu vaccination this year your baby will be protected for six months after birth. Last year with the circulating H1N1 virus we did see some pregnant ladies who were quite poorly with it and we want to offer them every opportunity to protect themselves and their babies."

She also said that presently there was nothing that could prove to show that there would be any swine flu cases this year but it is better to take preventive measures.