Flu Vaccine Clinic To Be Held On Saturday

In response to an anticipated increase in the number of influenza cases on the island in coming weeks the Department of Health would like to advise the public that it will offer an additional clinic session today [Jan 12] at Hamilton Health Center on 67 Victoria Street where the influenza [flu] vaccine will be available to the public.

The vaccine costs $10 and is free for seniors [65 and older]. Operating hours for the Saturday clinic will be from 9am to 1 pm. The usual weekday morning time slot of 8:30am to 11:30pm for clinic sessions will continue next week but with the addition of a Wednesday afternoon time of operation, which will be from 1pm to 3:30pm. This session will operate only if supplies last.

All individuals over age six months are recommended to have influenza vaccination. Particularly at risk for severe complications from the flu are the very young [under age five years], the elderly, pregnant women and those with other medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, including asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney disease or immune system deficiencies. Health care workers and those who care for individuals in the highest risk group are also a priority to have the vaccine while our supplies last.

In the past week, approximately 200 influenza vaccines have been administered at the Hamilton Clinic.

The Health Department said: “From January 1st 2013 to January 7th 2013 the Department of Health has noted that Influenza B seems to be in circulation on the island. The Department anticipates that further syndromic surveillance will slowly show an increase in the number of cases as flu season progresses.

“The Department depends on and appreciates timely reporting by community physicians to the Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit. Flu season officially begins in November although, typically, flu season usually doesn’t become apparent in Bermuda until after the Christmas season.

“Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection which spreads from person to person via infected droplets from coughs and sneeze. For most people it is not generally a serious condition but is often extremely unpleasant and temporarily debilitating. For some, however, flu can be quite dangerous, even life-threatening, because it may increase the risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

“Symptoms of flu develop two to four days after exposure and may remain mild. However, typical symptoms include sudden onset of sore throat, and runny nose with high fever, headache, backache, muscle pains fatigue and general malaise.

Most people recover after several days, requiring extra fluids, rest and ibuprophen or acetaminophen to control fever and body aches. [Note Aspirin should never be given to children and teenagers with flu-like symptoms].

The Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Gaynell Hayward said: “The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against influenza. Influenza illness can be serious for very young children, seniors and persons with chronic health problems which is why it is important to prevent its occurrence. With the increased uptake of the vaccine each year Bermuda has seen a decline in the incidence of influenza in the community.”

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