ROME (AP) — The Italian Olympic Committee announced plans to vaccinate its athletes and officials against swine flu for the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics.
CONI president Giovanni Petrucci made the decision Friday after meeting with Italian deputy health minister Ferruccio Fazio.
"The urgent and absolute priority for CONI is the vaccination of the Italian delegation for Vancouver 2010," Petrucci told ANSA news agency.
Italy is expected to take 350 athletes, coaches and staff to the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics. The games will run from Feb. 12-28.
Italy has reported at least six deaths related to swine flu over the past two months.
"Ours is a category that is at risk, but we don't want to spread alarm where there isn't any," Petrucci said. "The commission that was created between the minister and the president of the (CONI medical) council will monitor the situation and any possible alarm. We shall began with Olympians and then we shall see (for other sports)."
Italy expects swine flu to peak between December and January, with 1.5 million to 3 million cases. A vaccination campaign beginning Nov. 15 will immunize up to 40 percent of Italy's 60 million people.
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