Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galea today urged the public to take vaccine against influenza. He said that so far16,000 people have been vaccinated against the flu at the health centers whilst local councils have ordered more than 20,000 vaccines.

The government this year bought 80,000 doses of vaccine at a cost of around € 250,000. Vaccination against seasonal flu started on 22 October 2012.

Mario Galea said the flu is mostly active during the colder months of winter; between October and May. Although it can affect everybody, the most vulnerable are the elderly and those suffering from medical and chronic problems.

Influenza leads to complications such as pneumonitis (pneumonia) and can lead to death. It is estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 people die with the flu globally.

Mario Galea explained that the flu vaccine that was withdrawn in Italy is not registered in Malta and was never introduced or marketed in the country. Thus the Maltese public was never exposed to any risk.

“The vaccine purchased by the Maltese Government is manufactured by another company and passed all processes of verification set by the European Union. Therefore there is no risk associated with this vaccine and the public is encouraged to continue to get vaccinated against influenza,” he said.

Mario Galea recommended the public to take the vaccination. This vaccine is recommended for everyone who is six months of age upwards.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that the Government offers the vaccine free to those who are most vulnerable:

anyone who has more than 55 years

infants and children between 6 months and 5 years

anyone who suffers from chronic lung, heart, liver, kidney, diabetes and related diseases such as HIV immunodeficiency or AIDS

all residents in institutions.

The following are also eligible for the vaccine:

– Health professionals and other staff who are in contact with patients

– Staff working in institutions and nursing homes, as well as residents in nursing homes

And those who work in these areas:

Police Corps

Armed Forces

Civil Protection

Centres and Open Detention Centres

Veterinary Services

Abattoirs

Cleaning Department

Customs Officials

Staff and residents of Corradino

Correctional Facility

Students attending schools for the disabled.

Person less than 55 years, having a yellow card or a recent medical certificate as evidence of chronic diseases will be provided with free vaccination.

Clients who are hospitalised at the time of vaccination can take the vaccine at the hospital.

The Parliamentary Secretary also took the vaccination himself to encourage the public to follow suit.

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