The Health Ministry has ordered 100,000 influenza vaccines, costing €500,000, to provide free treatment to all those wishing to take precautions against the influenza virus.
The campaign to raise awareness for the upcoming influenza season was launched today by the Health Ministry.
The influenza season in Malta usually spans between mid-November and March, with vaccinations taking place the previous month, in October. The vaccine lasts around three months, and unlike most other illnesses, the influenza virus strains change every year. This means that vaccinations must also be taken yearly, and the number of applicants is expected to be close to last year's number of 93,000 persons.
Minister for Health Chris Fearne explained that although the flu tends to pass after a few days, it is known to get particularly serious, with about 450 individuals being admitted into hospital last January due to complications.
The first two weeks of availability will be specifically aimed towards the most vulnerable – children under the age of five, adults older than 55, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. After the 27th October, the vaccine will be available to all.
The Superintendent of Health, Dr Charmaine Gauci, instructed people to remember that prevention is better than cure. With the most effective ways of preventing contamination being the 3 C's.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Never cough or sneeze into bare hands, and if you do not have a tissue, use you elbow.
Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water or using alcohol hand rub. Do this regularly as well as after you use a tissue for a cough, sneeze or sniffle.
Contain germs by staying at home, and do not go to work or school until you are better. Never visit patients in hospital if you are sick.
The campaign will use the most effective modes of broadcasting, particularly social media, although television and radio will also be used.
The illness will be monitored to construct a model of how it affects communities with the hope of making health-care more effective and efficient.
CEO of Primary HealthCare Roseanna Camilleri and CEO of Mater Dei Ivan Falzon were also present and it was explained that the first available indications shit that the influenza infection levels will not increase from last years levels. Also, investments were made to improve the quality of testing to be able to get results quicker and allow for more efficient medical care.
Opening times – All Health Centres between the 15th and 27th October, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 1:00pm, and Saturday till 12 noon.
Mosta, Paula and Floriana also open Monday to Saturday between 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
After the 27th October the vaccine remains available to all from the NIS clinics according to their normal opening schedules and from the HC treatment rooms.
Local Councils – Most Local Councils are participating in the flu vaccination initiatives for eligible persons in their localities. (persons over 55 years and those suffering from chronic illness).
Lists of persons requesting the vaccine have already been sent to PHC pharmacy Floriana and vaccines will be collected from Floriana pharmacy by the various Local Councils by appointment.
GPs – The same process is also used by GPs for their private clientele.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2Qexj0Q
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