Health ministry launches flu vaccination

The government this year has bought 80,000 doses of vaccines with an investment of €232,000.

Vaccination against flu commenced on Monday 21 November 2011.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care Mario Galea commented that the flu is most popular during the cold months between October and May. Although the flu strikes everyone, the most vulnerable are the elderly and those with medical problems. 

The flu can lead to several complications like pneumonia and can also be fatal.  It is calculated that between 250,000 and 500,000 die globally because of the flu.  Out of these 100,000 are children. 

Galea explained that the Directorate for the Promotion of Health together with doctors is monitoring the situation to know the progress of the flu within the community. This monitoring shows that so far the rate of the flu in Malta is still low like other European countries. From past experiences this rate will increase in due course and thus the Hon. Galea recommended that people start taking vaccination as soon as possible.   

This vaccination is recommended to everyone from the age of six months and older.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that the government offered free vaccination to: persons aged 55 years and over; children from the age of 6 months to 5 years; persons of any age suffering from Chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and any chronic immunodeficiency state, including HIV or AIDS; and people residing in institutions.

 All Health Division, Health Care Professionals and other staff working with patients and elderly homes and people residing in elderly homes are also eligible for free vaccination. 

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

Patients in hospitals during the vaccination period may also take the vaccination in hospital.