Flu vaccine

The Health Division yesterday started its annual campaign to urge people to take the seasonal influenza vaccine.

The vaccine will be offered for free to everyone over 55 years, people suffering from chronic diseases and residents in homes for the elderly or other health institutions.

As in previous years local councils will offer the vaccination service for free. The division urged people who would be making use of the service to contact the council to book the vaccine.

Vaccination can also take place in health centres, while house-bound people can contact the health centre doctor so they can be vaccinated at home by community nurses.

Vaccination in government health centres and local councils should start in mid October.

The division warned other people not to take the jab before October. If taken too early, the vaccine might not provide coverage if the flu season starts late, it said.