GozoNews.Com

Vaccination against influenza starts at health centres on Monday.

The Department for Primary Care said all those who are entitled to the free vaccination can call from that day onwards at the health centre in Victoria from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and noon.

The department said the vaccine can be taken by everyone aged over six months, but the department is offering the vaccine free of charge to the following categories:

Persons aged 55 and over; workers in the health sector who come into contact with patients; persons who are recovered or are living in institutions; persons of all ages suffering from pulmonary chronic disease, chronic heart, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, as well as those suffering from immunodeficiency including AIDS or cancer. Persons suffering from a disability are also entitled to free vaccination.

Elderly persons and others suffering from the indicated chronic diseases who are unable to leave their home should use the services of the MMDNA.

The department said that since a larger number of persons are expected to take the vaccination than usual, mothers who want to take their babies to be vaccinated should do so by calling at the health centres before 10.30 a.m.

The public is being asked to cooperate by going to the health centres during the indicated times.

They should also present their identity cards.

Persons aged under 55 who suffer from chronic disease or a disability should also produce certified evidence of their condition.

The department said that because of the flu vaccination service, other vaccinations will be given until 10.30 a.m. from Monday to Saturday.