The Health Division are reminding everyone that the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign is running again this year and recommends that people should take advantage of it when possible. The influenza vaccine is being made available from the Department of Primary Health, free of charge, to the following categories of people:

· Persons aged 55years and over

· All persons of any age suffering from chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, kidney; diabetes mellitus, and any immunodeficiency conditions, including HIV and AIDS.

· All persons residing in institutions.

In the case of persons below 55 years of age, evidence of one of the above conditions needs to be confirmed by presenting a Schedule V Control Card or a recent medical certificate.

The influenza season this year could be worse and globally, experts are expecting that both H1N1 virus and seasonal flu will cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. So the Health Division is preparing for an early and possibly severe influenza season.

The Department recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as an important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications.

It is also recommended to take the following everyday measures to prevent the spread of influenza: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, you should stay home. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Vaccination against seasonal influenza is available from all Health Centres between 10:30am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon on Saturdays. During the first two weeks of the campaign, Health Centres will also be open for vaccination on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

Persons who cannot leave their home and who wish to receive the vaccination are being asked to register themselves by calling on telephone number 21387526 from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm. Any patients already receiving a service by MMDNA are registered automatically and are therefore requested not to call the office to register.