Schoolgirl with swine flu dies

A schoolgirl has died after contracting swine flu. The girl, from Slough, Berkshire, tested positive for the H1N1 virus, and was being treated at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

She died there on 11 November, NHS Berkshire East confirmed.

A spokesman said: "NHS Berkshire East extends its sympathies to the child's family, friends, school and community at this time.

"We are working with the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit and the relevant local authority to ensure the right support and advice is in place."

A spokeswoman for Slough Borough Council said the girl attended a school in Slough, but would not say if she was at primary or secondary school.

News of the girl's death was revealed on the day the Government announced that healthy children between the ages of six months and five years old are to be offered the swine flu vaccine.