Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, urged members of the public today to get vaccinated against the Influenza (flu) virus as the 2021 flu season begins.
Minister Deyalsingh rolled up his sleeve, as Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh, Director of Women’s Health, sanitised his hands and administered the flu vaccine.
“We really need the population to take the flu shot. If too many persons need hospital care because of the flu, this can overwhelm the health system and the health care workers who are already dealing with COVID-19,” said Minister Dayalginsh.
He also noted that, “while there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there is one for the flu.”
The Health Ministry said although the flu vaccine is free and available for everyone at health centres, they are urging persons in high risk groups, to get their flu vaccine early.
Persons in high-risk groups include:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years;
- Adults 60 years of age and over;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons suffering from Non Communicable Diseases (e.g. Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease);
- Persons with compromised immune systems (e.g. persons with Lupus, cancer patients);
- Persons with chronic respiratory illnesses (e.g. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease);
- Members of the National Security Forces and Customs and Immigration Division; and
- Healthcare workers.
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