Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, is urging citizens to follow his example and get their flu shots, as the 2021 flu season begins.
“We really need the population to take the flu shot. If too many persons need hospital care because of the flu, this can overwhelm the health system and the health care workers who are already dealing with COVID-19,” commented the Minister.
He added: “While there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there is one for the flu.”
The Minister rolled up his sleeves today, Thursday 1 October 2020, and ensured he was vaccinated against the Influenza (flu) virus.
The shot was administered by Director of Women’s Health, Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh, who carefully sanitised his hands before administering the flu vaccine.
Although the flu vaccine is free and available for everyone at health centres, Minister Deyalsingh urged persons in high risk groups, like himself, to get their flu vaccine early.
Persons in high-risk groups include:
● Children aged 6 months to 5 years;
● Adults 60 years of age and over;
● Pregnant women;
● Persons suffering from Non Communicable Diseases (e.g. Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease);
● Persons with compromised immune systems (e.g. persons with Lupus, cancer patients);
● Persons with chronic respiratory illnesses (e.g. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease);
● Members of the National Security Forces and Customs and Immigration Division; and
● Healthcare workers.
