New dates for flu vaccination drive
A flu vaccination drive is to run from October 19, the Ministry of Health said today.
Vaccines will be available through the “Flu Express”, which is open to people aged 12 and over.
The vaccines will be available at the Hamilton Health Centre on October 19 between 10am and 2pm for seniors 65 and older.
The drive is to continue on October 22 at the Boaz Island Community Field and on October 23 at Penno’s Wharf in St George's.
An earlier series of vaccination opportunities was postponed owing to the unavailability of certain vaccines.
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said today: “Our Flu Express service, which primarily serves seniors, was delayed due to a shortage of vaccine supply specifically for those aged 65 and older.
“I’m pleased to announce that we now have sufficient vaccines for our seniors, and we can resume offering this important service.
“I strongly encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine, to protect themselves and help safeguard your family, friends and the entire community.”
People who are priority for the Flu Express are:
• Healthcare workers, caregivers and essential service workers
• People aged 65 and over
• Anyone with chronic medical conditions who is at risk of complications from the flu, eg, diabetics, asthmatics and those with heart disease. They should inform their doctor when they have been vaccinated
• Children under 12 should attend their usual doctor’s office for vaccination
Individuals will not be given the injection if they:
• are allergic to eggs, chicken products or any component of the vaccine
• have had a reaction to the flu shot before
• have a fever or are unwell
• have had a seizure within the past year
Flu injections will only be offered at the Flu Express on the specified dates to individuals in good health without active infections, a government spokeswoman said.
A consent form can be completed and payment can be made online to minimise paperwork on arrival and reduce waiting times by visiting forms.gov.bm/Influenza-Vaccine-Consent.
The forms can also be filled out at the Flu Express location.
Residents were asked to dress comfortably to allow the nurses easy access to the injection site in the upper arm.
Vaccinations cost $20 each and payment must be made in cash or online.
Seniors aged 65 and older will receive their shots for free.
• For more information, visitgov.bm/flu
• UPDATE: this article has been updated to include a link to the online consent form
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