Burnham gives swine flu reassurance

Mr Burnham said the death of Chloe Buckley, from West Drayton in west London, was a "tragedy" but "lots of children" had suffered from swine flu and had made a full recovery.

"People do need to keep it in perspective - lots of children have already had swine flu and have made a very quick recovery and, obviously, in the early stages we saw lots of school closures," he said.

"There have been lots of children already having the condition but making a very quick and full recovery. We do have to keep it in perspective."

He added that Britain was at the "front of the queue" for supplies of vaccine and would start to receive the first from next month.

"We have made very good plans in this country for this eventuality, for being in this situation, and Britain is at the front of the queue in the world for vaccine. We could not be in a better position. So as soon as stocks are made, the very first vaccines will come to this country. We expect to get the first next month."

His remarks were made as further tests were due to take place to determine the causes of death of Chloe and Bedfordshire GP Dr Michael Day, who both died after contracting swine flu. Their deaths took the number of UK deaths linked to swine flu to 17.

Chloe's parents, Michael and Jacinta, released a statement saying they were satisfied with the medical care Chloe received and asking to be left alone to grieve.

Health bodies the British Medical Association (BMA) and the The Royal College of General Practitioners urged the public not to panic.

The Government has ordered enough swine flu vaccine to cover the entire population, with the first doses arriving next month and half of all doses expected by the end of the year. A list has been drawn up of people who will gain first access to the vaccine, including health workers and patients with conditions such as diabetes and asthma.