Free influenza (flu) vaccines are available in public health-care facilities across the province, thanks to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness move to mitigate the effects of seasonal influenza on the public-health system and to ensure residents at risk of severe disease are protected.
Residents who do not currently experience flu symptoms may also get their flu vaccine from any public health-care facility for free or, for a small fee, private pharmacies and health-care providers. “We recognise the impact of vaccines on improved public-health outcomes and it has become an essential part of our lives,” said Charlene Lawrence, Deputy Director of Communicable Disease Control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates the vaccination of high-risk populations to combat influenza effectively, including pregnant women, individuals with immune-compromised conditions such as HIV, chronic lung or cardiac diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic ailments such as diabetes or morbid obesity, the elderly aged 65 and above, and health-care workers.
For them timely vaccination stands as a crucial preventive measure. “The flu vaccine is safe and helps protect you from flu,” said Sr Busisiwe Maqgalaza, Nurse, Khayelitsha (Site B) Community Health Centre.
Residents are urged to contact their nearest health-care facility and make arrangements for their most vulnerable family members, elderly and/or infirm. In this way high-risk groups receive timely immunisation. Medics also recommend:. Wearing a face mask when coughing. Drinking enough fluids. Eating fresh vegetables and fruit rich in micro-nutrients and vitamins. Taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication for fever and body pains. Not taking influenza vaccination when ill. Washing hands thoroughly and regularly. Avoiding contact with ill people. Staying home when unwell.
