Health authorities urge public to get vaccinated ahead of influenza season

As the days get colder and influenza cases slowly start increasing, the government will be launching an campaign urging the public to get vaccinated ahead of the upcoming influenza season. 

Addressing a press confernece on the subject, Health minister Chris Fearne said the campaign will be launched on th 15 October and will seek to drive home the message that prevention is better than cure.

Fearne noted that last year, some 17% of the population was diagnosed with the influenza virus, a figure which he said does not include unreported cases. A total of 450 people were admitted to Mater Dei due to the virus, Fearne added.

Flu vaccinations will available to children under five years of age, people above the age of 55 and people suffering from chronic diseases, by the 15 October, Fearne said.  The remainder of the population will be able to get vaccinated after the 27 October. 

Individuals looking to get vaccinated can go to local health centres from Monday to Friday, from 8.00am till 1.00pm, and on Saturdays till noon. The Mosta, Paola and Floriana centres will also be open from 2.30pm till 7.30 pm. 

Most local councils are also participating in the flu vaccination initiatives for eligible persons, with the list of persons requesting the vaccine already sent to the PHC Pharmacy in Floriana. 

The minister said that 100,000 vaccines had been ordered to meet this year's demand after a total of 93,000 got vaccinated last year.