The Government has said that the seasonal influenza vaccine for the year 2015/2016 has been launched today, Monday, the 2nd of November 2015.

The vaccine against seasonal influenza helps to prevent this severe illness which can bring about medical complications leading to increased hospital admissions. Influenza is usually more common during the colder months but this is the ideal time to get vaccinated in order to help the body build up immunity against the influenza virus.

Vaccination service will be available from all health centres until the 21st November, as follows:

Floriana, Mosta and Paola Health Centres: 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, and 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 19:00 on Saturdays.

Gzira, Rabat, Cospicua, B'Kara and Qormi Health Centres: 10:00 to 13:00 Monday to Friday, and 10:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is available free of charge to:

– All persons aged 55 years and over;

– Children between 6 months and 59 months of age;

– Persons of any age suffering from chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, kidney; diabetes mellitus; and any immunodeficiency conditions, including HIV and AIDS. In the case of persons below 55 years of age, the Schedule V Control Card or a recent medical certificate stating the person's medical condition should be presented.

All persons are to present their I.D. card in order to receive the vaccine.

Parents bringing young children for vaccination should produce the Baby's Book or Vaccination.

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