Health Ministry to launch 2024/2025 flu shot campaign Sept.16

“Protect yourself, protect your family, get vaccinated today!”

That’s the key message from the Ministry of Health as it prepares to launch its seasonal Influenza vaccination campaign, which begins officially on Monday, September 16, 2024—ahead of the 2024/2025 Influenza season, which runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

The Ministry is making available the Influenza vaccine free of charge to the public at all health centres nationwide.

According to the Health Ministry, the Influenza vaccine should be taken seasonally, rather than annually, to ensure maximum protection.

“This vaccination campaign will focus on high-risk groups, which include individuals who are more susceptible to severe illness if they contract the Influenza virus,” the Ministry explained in a statement.

It notes that high-risk persons include individuals with chronic conditions, among other vulnerabilities:

  ●   Respiratory diseases

  ●   Diabetes

  ●   Heart disease

  ●   Chronic kidney disease

  ●   Liver disease

  ●   Immuno-suppressed individuals

  ●   Obesity

  ●   Cancer

  ●   Children aged 6 months to 5 years

  ●   Healthcare Workers

  ●   Pregnant Women

  ●   Adults 65 years and older

“The Ministry of Health strongly encourages the public to take advantage of the Influenza vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones from the Flu. Vaccination is a key preventive measure to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications associated with the Flu, particularly in high-risk groups,” the Ministry said.

It is encouraging members of the public to contact their nearest Health Centre or visit the Ministry of Health’s social media pages or website (www.health.gov.tt) for further information on the Influenza virus and the vaccination schedules.

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