Flu vaccine available for free at health centres islandwide - Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising the public that the influenza (flu) vaccine is now available free of cost at health centres across Jamaica.

Acting Director of Family Health at the ministry, Dr Julia Rowe-Porter, has cautioned that “children and the elderly are at high risk, and the flu is to be taken seriously, as it can lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhoea and seizures in children. The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease”.

The ministry says the vaccine is offered through the public healthcare system to high-priority groups, including healthcare workers; children and the elderly with chronic illnesses; pregnant women; individuals who are institutionalised or in State care; and non-health frontline workers.

Every year, influenza activity in Jamaica often begins to increase in October to November, peaks between December and March, and can last as late as May, the ministry noted.

The flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, mainly through coughing, sneezing and close contact.

The ministry noted that the virus circulates worldwide and can affect anyone in any age group, with symptoms varying and including fever or chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and a runny or stuffy nose.

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