Director of Women’s Health at the Ministry of Health Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh said that the same measures used to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus (washing hands, sneezing/coughing in the crook of elbows) can also be applied to prevent the spread of influenza (flu).
He made the announcement while speaking at the Ministry of Health’s press briefing on Wednesday.
Dr. Sirjusingh warned that an influx in flu cases can overwhelm the system as the same resources used to treat covid, such as the (High Dependency Unit) HDU and beds, will need to be utilized.
As a result, he said that the Ministry of Health has a safe and tested vaccine that gives 40-60% protection against the flu.
He said the vaccine is available for all women at the public health clinics, including the ante-natal clinic.
Private obstetricians will also be provided with the vaccines to give to their clients free of charge.
He said the vaccine is safe to use during all stages of pregnancy, adding that persons should take it sooner than later as it takes time to build immunity.
Pregnant mothers only need one dose as the immunity is transferred to the baby when the child is born or breastfed
The Women’s Health Unit is a recently formed unit, created to improve the health of mothers and newborn infants.
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