Cyprus plans to gradually inoculate half of its population against swine flu once clinical tests confirm that a safe vaccine has been found.

Health Minister Christos Patsalides said yesterday that vaccinations will begin in autumn after European Union authorities give the go-ahead.

Priority will be given among a population of 800,000 to patients with chronic ailments, pregnant women, health-care workers, children up to five and seniors.

Cyprus stopped counting flu cases last month after reaching 297. There have been no deaths and all cases are mild. Patsalides said Cyprus will be among countries receiving the first vaccine batches.

He said that those in the divided island's breakaway Turkish Cypriot north holding Cyprus citizenship are also entitled to vaccination.