Scotland’s Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that a pregnant 17-year-old from the Borders who contracted swine flu has died.

ITN News reports that the girl died on Wednesday (14/10/09) or Thursday, but no further details have been released.

Nicola Sturgeon urged all pregnant women to get vaccinated ‘to ensure maximum protection for themselves and their babies’.

‘The death of this young mother-to-be and her baby is deeply saddening and my thoughts are with her family and friends,’ said Ms Sturgeon

‘Medical experts have been telling us that pregnant women are more vulnerable to developing complications after contracting the virus. For this reason, they will be among the priority groups for vaccination when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available later this month.’

A spokesman for the Welsh Assembly has also confirmed the fourth death in Wales from the swine flu virus.

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