Free seasonal flu and omicron vaccinations are available from today, the 17th of October. Both vaccines can be given at the same time in different arms, however persons can just opt to take one or the other.

They will be available from health centres and community centres. Those eligible from today include:

• Persons aged 55 years and over • Persons of any age (over 6months) suffering from: • Chronic Respiratory Disease • Chronic Heart Disease • Chronic Liver Disease • Chronic Kidney Disease • Diabetes Mellitus • Any Chronic Immunodeficiency State, including HIV/AIDS • Pregnant Women • Persons residing in institutions and Staff (Hospitals/homes for elderly, Homes for Disabled, CCF) • Health Care Workers.

Anyone aged below 55 will have to provide evidence of one of the above conditions, by showing a medical certificate of Schedule V Control Card.

The flu jab will be available to everyone over the age of six months and over, who are suffering from the above chronic conditions.

Then as from the 31st of October the seasonal flu vaccination will be open for everyone.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Chris Fearne warned that anyone who gets infected with both the winter flu and Covid virus together could suffer severely. He urged everyone to take up the offer of the vaccinations.

He explained that the main flu strain this year will be the H3N2 which had in past years when prevalent, brought about an increase in hospitalisations.

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