Flu Vaccine is now available at District Hospitals and EPI clinic Moto’otua.
This is according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health. Also that a limited number of influenza vaccines are available for administration to the general public.
Priority for vaccination is being given to high-risk population groups such as children with health conditions, pregnant mothers, people with co-morbidities and the elderly.
The Influenza vaccine FLUQUADRI manufactured by Sanofi, contains four of the most common flu viruses as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The Ministry says that influenza, or the “flu” is caused by viruses quickly passed on from person to person. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and feeling unwell.
Symptoms are treated with rest, panadol and oral fluids. Antibiotics are not usually needed; most people recover within one to two weeks.
However, for some people, influenza can cause severe complications like pneumonia, requiring medical advice and sometimes hospitalization.
Flu illness may cause significant time off work as well as hospitals being overwhelmed with consultations and admissions.
People at greater risk of influenza complications are pregnant women, children under five, and people with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, other chronic diseases and immunocompromised conditions.
