Speaking during a weekly swine flu briefing, Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride confirmed a nine-year-old child and a 65-year-old-female, both with underlying health conditions had died during the course of the past week after testing positive for the virus.

A total of 10 people have now died in Northern after contracting swine flu. Two others, both from the Province, passed away in England and Spain respectively.

The latest health bulletin also reveals that the number of hospital admissions due to the virus has increased by 12 per cent, despite actual GP consulations falling over the past week.

The toral number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu now stands at 1,093.

The confirmation that a child has died comes after the News Letter revealed this week that a youngster with special needs was laid to rest at the weekend.

Health officials refused to comment on the matter, referring to their new policy of only releasing details of swine flu related deaths on a weekly basis.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased.

A mass vaccination programme is currently underway across the Province targeting 'at risk' groups, including children with special needs and pregnant women.

"A new public awareness vaccination campaign will be rolled out across the UK from next Monday. It will remind those people in the priority groups and frontline healthcare professionals of the importance of taking up the offer of the swine flu vaccine when their turn comes," Mr McGimpsey said.

Dr McBride played down an apparent decrease in flu indicators.

"The decrease may be partly due to half term holidays and it is too soon to say whether the peak has been reached. Levels remain highest amongst the 5-14 age group. Hospitalisations have increased again this week."

He added: "Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are a priority within our vaccination programme and I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine when it is offered."