The first of 10,000 children aged between six months and five years of age in Herefordshire have begun receiving their swine flu vaccinations.
The vaccination programme follows the announcement by the health secretary Andy Burnham earlier this month that children of this age had been identified as the next priority group because they are more likely to need hospital treatment if they catch swine flu.
The decision is supported by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation – the UK's independent advisory board on vaccines.
This second phase of vaccinations follows hot on the heels of the first phase during which around 25,000 people - identified as being at risk of severe illness should they contract the swine flu virus - in Herefordshire were contacted by their local GPs and invited to have their swine flu vaccination
NHS Herefordshire has negotiated through the Local Medical Committee and has reached an agreement that local GPs will roll out this second phase of vaccinations.
While some have already begun contacting the parents of youngsters, the majority of GPs will be contacting families early in the New Year to invite them to bring their children in for flu vaccinations.
"These people have been identified nationally by the Department of Health (DoH) because they are at highest risk of severe illness should they contract the swine flu virus," said Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire's Director of Public Health.
"Thankfully, for most people the affects of swine flu are mild and no worse than a bout of seasonal flu.
"NHS Herefordshire, which is receiving the batches of vaccinations from the DoH, is making sure they are delivered to GP surgeries so they are in the hands of local doctors who know their patients and particularly those at risk.
"If you get a letter or a phone call from your GP inviting you, or your children, to have a swine flu vaccination, please ensure you to take up this offer," added Dr Ali.