Health Minister Chris Fearne, in a joint press conference with the Superintendent of Public Health Prof. Charmaine Gauci, has announced details of a campaign programme for the seasonal flu jab and Omicron booster.

Dr Fearne advised that both vaccinations are able to be given on the same day and will be available from health centres and community centres.

Both vaccines can be given at the same time in different arms, however persons can just opt to take one or the other.

The programme will get underway from the 17th of October for those over the age of 55, people with chronic conditions, people in institutions, healthcare workers, pregnant women and for children from 6 months to five years.

Then as from the 31st of October the seasonal flu vaccination will be open for everyone. 132,000 seasonal flu vaccines have been purchased, the government will purchase more if needed, Dr Fearne said. He added that 17,000 of these are nasal sprays for children.

Dr Fearne also explained how preparations are underway at Mater Dei Hospital, as well as renovation projects at Boffa Hospital so that the health system is ready for an increase in hospitalised patients over the winter months.

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

Covid-19 is now an endemic, with a yearly jab advisable, Dr Fearne added.

Prof. Charmaine Gauci joined in the same appeal, explaining that this year, the international health community noticed that the flu season started earlier than usual. She emphasised how for every hundred people who go to the doctor, eight of them have flu-like symptoms.

For the vaccination schedule please see here.

Permalink: Free flu and Omicron vaccines offered from 17th October