Flu Vaccine Now Available at Health Centres
Nov. 14, 2024
Kingston, Jamaica. Tuesday, November 12, 2024: The Ministry of Health & Wellness is advising members of the public that the Influenza (Flu) vaccine is now available free of cost at health centres across the island.
The Flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, mainly by coughing, sneezing and through close contact. It is to be noted that the virus circulates, worldwide and can affect anybody in any age group with varied symptoms including, fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, CD has cautioned that “Children and the elderly are at high-risk, and the flu is to be taken seriously, as it can lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhoea and seizures in children. The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.”
The vaccine is offered in the public health system to high-priority groups, including healthcare workers; children and the elderly with chronic illnesses; pregnant women; individuals who are institutionalised or in state care; and non-health frontline workers.
“At the same time, private healthcare providers are encouraged to procure, the influenza vaccine through private distributors to provide for the general population, the CMO said.
Every year, Influenza activity in Jamaica often begins to increase in October to November, peaks between December to March, and can last as late as May.
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