The Gauteng Department of Health has started with its annual influenza(flu) vaccination campaign, which is aimed at reducing transmission of the Flu virus over the flu season and limit burden on the healthcare system.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the Flu vaccine is given free of charge at state healthcare facilities.
“The Flu vaccine which is given free of charge at state healthcare facilities is aimed at various high risk groups namely: Healthcare workers, people who are 65 years old and residences of old age homes,” said Kekana.
Kekana said other groups that are being targeted are people living with HIV/AIDS and persons with co-morbidities.
“Any other person not falling with the mentioned high risk groups may be vaccinated at a private health facility at a fee,”
She added that the Flu vaccine is effective 14 days after vaccination.
“This means that those infected shortly before (1-13 days) or shortly after the flu vaccine may still get the disease,”
Kekana has urged the public to continue with other influenza and COVID-19 mitigation measures such as hand sanitising at all times, wearing of face masks, social distancing and sneezing etiquettes.
