10,000 persons received flu vaccine on first day, Health Minister says

The influenza vaccine currently available for free to those aged 55 and over, children between six months and five years and those who suffer from chronic diseases was administered to 10,000 people on the first day

14 October 2020, 9:22am
by Laura Calleja

1 min read

This year, the government procured 200,000 influenza vaccines

10,000 persons received the influenza vaccine on Monday, Health Minister Chris Fearne announced.

The influenza vaccine started being distirbuted for free from Sunday but strike action by the nurses' union disrupted the first day. The industrial action was subsequently lifted.

The seasonal flu vaccine is currently available for all those aged 55 and over, children between six months and five years and those who suffer from chronic diseases. From 1 November, the influenza vaccine will be available for free for everyone else.

Il-bieraħ, f’ġurnata waħda biss, ingħataw 10,000 tilqima tal-#influwenza. Tlaqqam int ukoll! pic.twitter.com/KOixWWTIk4
— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) October 14, 2020

Taking to social media, Fearne encouraged people to take the vaccine.

This year, the government procured 200,000 influenza vaccines, which are being administered at health centres and local council offices.

Now more than ever, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the health authorities are encouraging everybody to take the vaccine. The hope is to reduce the strain on hospitals in the winter months and protect persons from contracting the two viruses simultaneously.

Currently, Malta has 881 active COVID-19 cases – the highest number the island has ever registered.

So far, 44 people have died from coronavirus.

Laura Calleja is features editor at MaltaToday