The Order of Malta’s volunteers in France have offered their services in the vaccination campaign against the AH1N1 virus infection, working in teams of nine to staff the Eure prefecture’s call centre. During their four-hour shifts they reply to the 600,000 people who have been called for vaccinations, booking them an appointment in one of the eight departmental vaccination centres.

To provide efficient assistance in this demanding but very necessary task they have to use patience, tact and sometimes even firmness.

The initiative started in mid November at the suggestion of the Prefect of the Eure Department and comes under the Ordre de Malte France’s civil defence accord with the French government. It will last at least four months until the vaccinations have been completed.

The Order of Malta’s volunteers working in Bouches du Rhône, Gard and in Paris will also soon be joining their colleagues in this swine flu vaccination campaign.