Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang says the Government will subsidise people in five target groups to get human swine flu vaccinations from private doctors enrolled in the Government's subsidy scheme.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the private doctor sector this afternoon, Dr Tsang said target groups can still choose to get free vaccinations at public hospitals and clinics.

The arrangement gives target groups more choice while relieving pressure at public health organisations, he added.

Lists of private doctors enrolled in the scheme and the fees to be charged will be uploaded to the centre's website. Participating doctors also need to post the information at their clinics.

The first batch of vaccines, 500,000 doses, will arrive in mid-December and part of them will be provided to private doctors at a cost.

Private doctors need to pay for the vaccines first and will get a refund after submitting the particulars of people who belong to the five target groups and get vaccinations at their clinics.

Noting first priority will be given to the target groups, Dr Tsang said those outside the target groups can also seek vaccination from these doctors at their own expense.