Flu Vaccination: A Second Campaign Begins in Hospitals and Health Centers

As the flu vaccination campaign led by the Ministry of Social Integration continues until May 13 for individuals aged 55 and older, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is launching its own campaign starting April 27 in regional hospitals and several health centers across the country.

The campaign by the Ministry of Social Integration began on April 20 at various community centers, municipal halls, and social welfare centers. It primarily targets seniors, who are more susceptible to complications related to the flu, particularly in cases of diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or other chronic conditions.

From April 27, the Ministry of Health will also offer flu vaccinations in five regional hospitals, District Hospitals, Mediclinics, Area Health Centres, and Community Health Centres. This campaign is aimed more broadly at the most vulnerable individuals facing seasonal flu.

Target groups include children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, healthcare staff, and individuals suffering from chronic ailments such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, renal failure requiring dialysis, HIV, or certain cancers.

Dr. Fazil Khodabocus from the Ministry of Health explains that special arrangements have been put in place to avoid long waits in hospital services. "There is no need to go through Casualty to receive the vaccine. A specific pathway has been established to facilitate the process and allow patients to access vaccination more quickly."

Individuals wishing to be vaccinated will need to bring their identification card. Minors must be accompanied by a parent and present their health card.

As every year, the flu vaccine is reformulated to provide better protection against the strains of the virus most likely to circulate during winter. It takes approximately two weeks after the injection for the protection to be fully effective.

Although the vaccine does not guarantee total protection, it helps reduce the risk of complications, hospitalization, and severe forms of flu, particularly among the most fragile individuals.