A statement by the Health Bureau (SSM) on Friday said that it is offering free quadrivalent Northern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccines for 2022-2023 as a priority for residents at high risk of influenza from today.
Priority targets for the 2022-2023 influenza vaccination programme include children aged at least six months, young people until the age of 18, pregnant women, those suffering from chronic diseases, obese persons, i.e., those with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, and all those aged at least 50, according to the statement.
The statement noted that crèche and kindergarten children, primary, secondary school and higher education institution students, senior citizens living in retirement homes, and staff members of all these institutions, will also be offered free flu shots, as well as health workers and casino staff who are local residents. It added that those who need to leave Macau urgently can also go to a health centre or health station for priority vaccination by showing the relevant proof, such as a school admission certificate or air ticket.
The statement underlined that in order to facilitate the vaccination drive and reduce the waiting time, the bureau will despatch medical workers to crèches, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools from next month to December to vaccinate students and staff members against influenza, adding that those who are unable to participate in the mass vaccination programme can go to a health centre, health station, or the vaccination station at the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre after their respective school mass vaccination days by presenting their identity document, student ID card, teacher ID card, staff card, employment certificate or another document.
According to the statement, the bureau will also arrange for its medical staff to carry out mass vaccinations in retirement and rehabilitation homes, as well as other facilities frequented by many people.
The bureau reminded those who received the 2021-2022 flu vaccine between September last year and August this year that they will have to get a new shot after this month, which will cover the upcoming winter and next year’s summer in the northern hemisphere.
The bureau urged residents at high risk of influenza complications, such as children, senior citizens, pregnant women and chronic patients, to get the seasonal influenza vaccine as early as possible before the peak of influenza season as autumn and winter are the months with a high incidence of respiratory diseases.
The statement stressed that the flu vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of the simultaneous outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease and influenza, thereby reducing the possibility of serious consequences caused by the double infection with the two diseases.
Undated image courtesy of Lakes Regional Healthcare
