Influenza vaccine to be available in mid-October

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Influenza vaccine to be available in mid-October
By MaltaMedia News
Sep 5, 2006, 12:00

The health division has stated that the vaccine against seasonal influenza is to arrive in Malta by mid-October. The vaccine will be offered free of charge to residents in homes of institutions, persons aged 55 and over and persons suffering from chronic lung, heart, liver and kidney complaints as well as diabetes, HIV and AIDS.

Persons requesting to receive the vaccine because of chronic illnesses are to provide a recent health certificate or a yellow hospital card. The health division also warned that nobody is to receive the vaccine before October because being vaccinated to early might weaken its effectiveness.

As in previous years the service will be offered by most local councils free of charge. One may contact his or her local council for more information.

The vaccine is to be booked in advance because the demand for the vaccine is expected to be high.

In turn, one can also be vaccinated at local health centers. Those who are unable to leave their residence can ask a doctor to make arrangements so they can be vaccinated in their home by a community nurse.

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