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ANALYSIS:IRELAND IS now experiencing a significant increase in the rate of pandemic (H1N1) infection. This is now a national public health emergency and today, a significant phase of our response formally commences with the official roll-out of our mass vaccination plan, beginning with those in the ‘‘at risk’’ groups, writes TONY HOLOHAN

These are people between the ages of six months and 65 years who have chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or nervous system disorders. It also includes women who are pregnant or people who have reduced immunity either as a result of a disease or a medication.