City to administer 20 000 flu vaccines before winter kicks in

THE City of Johannesburg plans to administer 20 000 influenza (flu) vaccines in more than 75 of its clinics that are spread around seven regions before winter kicks in.

The free flu vaccination drive has kicked off and will run until most of the target group are reached and the allocated vaccines are finished.

People who fall in the target group are children aged six months to 59 months; pregnant women up to two weeks post-delivery; patients with any chronic disease such as pulmonary; chronic renal; diabetes; lung and heart diseases; people living with HIV; patients with compromised immune systems and people older than 65 years.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: feverish, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue. Some people may vomit or have diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults.

To avoid the spread of flu, avoid close contact with people who have flu. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, preferably using an elbow as tissues may spread the virus if not properly disposed of. Practise personal hygiene, in particular hand washing, as well as cough etiquette. Ensure adequate ventilation and use personal protective equipment.

“A flu vaccination does not guarantee protection against flu. Some people who get vaccinated might still get sick. However, people who get a flu vaccine are less likely to get sick with flu than someone who did not get vaccinated,” said Dr Mary Daka, deputy director for the Public Health Directorate in the City of Johannesburg.

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