Antiviral collection points for swine flu medication in the Bradford district are to be stood down.

From April 1, anyone who has swine flu symptoms will be able to get antiviral medication on a normal prescription from their GP and collect it at any chemist.

The medicine will also no longer be available free of charge.

It follows a decision by the Department of Health to close the National Pandemic Flu Service website and phone service in February.

Swine flu cases are decreasing, however, there are still cases around, and people are being warned to remain vigilant. Anyone with symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP, who will assess their symptoms and decide whether antiviral medicine is necessary based on their health history.

People in the ‘at risk groups’ – including those with underlying illness, pregnant women and healthy children aged six months to under five – are still being urged to have their swine flu vaccination as the best protection against the H1N1 virus.

Anita Sims, director of public health for Bradford and Airedale, said: “It is still really important that those people eligible for the swine flu jab make an appointment to see their GP as it will offer them the best possible protection through the year.”

She added that in the UK it was highly likely that the pandemic H1N1 virus will be the predominant influenza strain this winter. Vaccination now will protect people against the disease and its complications when it returns later in the year.

GPs are asking any patients diagnosed as needing the antivirals before March 31 to arrange for them to be collected as soon as possible from one of the antiviral collection points to avoid having to pay for their prescription.

They are at: Tesco Pharmacy, Halifax Road, Bradford; Boots, Airedale Shopping Centre, Keighley; Asda Pharmacy, Bingley Street, Keighley; Rowlands Pharmacy, Shipley Health Centre, Alexandra Road, Shipley and Boots, Forster Square Retail Park, Bradford.