The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported that a number of countries in the southern and western parts of the EU are reporting consultation rates for influenza above the levels seen in the last two or more seasons. In Malta the Health Division is seeing an increased number of complications related to influenza in the community over the last two weeks. Most of the viruses identified so far in Europe are influenza A (H3N2), the subtype associated with moderately severe influenza.

Hence the Health Division is expecting to have more influenza all over Europe including Malta. The vaccine available is effective and therefore the Health Division is urging people in risk groups for influenza and healthcare workers to be vaccinated. People aged over 55 years and persons with chronic medical conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, renal disease and immune impairment, as being the priority risk groups for influenza and healthcare workers who have not yet taken the influenza vaccination this year are encouraged go to the Health Centres for free vaccination.

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