Flu Vaccine Available From November 1st

From November 1, the seasonal influenza [flu] vaccine will be available to the public from the Department of Health, available at the Health Centres, through Flu Express, and at the offices of most private physicians.

The Department of Health offers flu vaccines at a cost of $10.00 per shot for both adults and children, while people over the age of 65 years will receive the seasonal flu vaccine free-of-charge.

The Health Centre schedule will see flu shots offered at Hamilton Health Centre [ground floor] from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 11.30am; at the Somerset Health Centre on Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm; and at the St George’s Health Centre on Fridays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The Department of Health will also be offering influenza immunization through the “Flu Express.” Flu Express allows people to drive to Warwick Camp and receive the flu vaccine while waiting in their car, without having to get out, aiming to make it easier for people to access the vaccine.

The Flu Express service will be available on Wednesday, November 2, Thursday, November 3, and Saturday, November 5 from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

A spokesperson said, “Who should attend the Flu Express? Persons aged 65 years and older; healthy adults who are in close contact with the elderly, infants and children, and any persons with chronic medical conditions; children aged 10 years and older; healthcare workers and caregivers; persons that have received the flu shot each year; persons who are clinically obese with a BMI greater than 40; and persons with chronic health problems that are at risk of complications from the flu, e.g. diabetics, asthmatics and those with heart disease.

“You should inform your doctor when you have been vaccinated. Flu injections will only be offered at the Flu Express on the specified dates to individuals in good health without active infections.

“You will not be given the shot if you have allergies to eggs, chicken products, or any component of the vaccine; you have had a reaction to the flu shot before; you have a fever; or you have had convulsions, in the last 12 months.

“The public is advised to dress comfortably to allow the nurse easy access to the injection site in the upper arm, and to have the correct amount of cash ready upon arrival at the Flu Express; credit/debit card facilities will not be available.”

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