In 2011, 35000 children were vaccinated at the Health Centres. A further 15,000 students were vaccinated in their respective schools. During the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign held in 2011/2012, 77,000 people were vaccinated. This was stated by Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea during a visit to the Immunisation Clinic at the Floriana Health Centre.

“2010 in comparison with 2011 shows an increase of 71% in the 5 in 1 vaccine, an increase of 42% in MMR usage and a 15% increase in the Hepatitis B vaccination,” the Minister said.

In Malta, 73% of the children are covered with MMR first dose while 98% are covered with the second dose. The Minister said that “these figures prove that Maltese are realising the importance of vaccination both for the young and adults.”

The Minister added that the number of vaccinated persons against Hepatitis B was that of 10,100 during the year 2010 and 11,650 for the year 2011. In Malta there are 8 Immunisation Clinics.

A few days ago Malta took part in European Immunisation Week organised with the aim of encouraging vaccination at a European level. In the meantime, Europe is celebrating the tenth year since the disappearance of polio.

“Immunisatiuon is one of the most important achievements achieved in the public health to cure infective illnesses. A number of infective illnesses such as chicken pox have disappeared in various areas of the world. Cholera, rabies and thyfus are being kept under control world wide, whilst in Malta these illnesses are nonexistent,” the Minister said.

In Malta there is a wide range of vaccination available on the national schedule. The list includes:

Polio

Diphtheria

Tethanus

MMR

Hib

Hepatitis B

Pertussis BCG

The Minister concuded by saying that each one of us shoulders the responsibility to protect one’s health. “Nobody can take care of myself as much I can do.”

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