The Health Division would like to remind the public about the need to be vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza.

This year the influenza vaccine will again be available from the Department of Primary Health, Free of Charge, to the following categories of people:

· everyone 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.

As in previous years, Local Councils and Private Family Doctors will be offering the vaccine free of charge to those who are eligible for the free influenza vaccine. Those interested should contact their respective Local Council or their Family Doctor for more information and registration.

Vaccination facilities will also be available for all those eligible, at their local Health Centre. Housebound patients can also ask their doctor to request a Community Nurse to vaccinate them in their home.

Influenza vaccine will be administered from the Health Centres from Monday the 3rd of November to Saturday the 22nd of November.

The Primary Health Department recommends that the vaccine is not administered before November in order to ensure adequate immunity throughout the whole of the influenza season.