Residents of Westmoreland Urged to Take Flu Vaccine

Residents of Westmoreland are being urged to take proactive steps to protect themselves against influenza as public health officials emphasise vaccination and basic prevention practices to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that influenza vaccination should ideally be taken before the start of the flu season but noted that persons should not delay, as protection remains important throughout the period.

“Vaccination efforts should continue throughout the season, because the duration of the flu season varies, and influenza activity might not occur in certain communities until the latter part of the flu season,” Mr. Miller said.

He explained that vaccination can be administered during routine healthcare visits or hospitalisation once the vaccine becomes available, helping to prevent missed opportunities.

Mr. Miller also outlined several priority groups that are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine during the season, including healthcare workers.

“I have taken mine, and every year over the past years since I’ve been working in public health, I’ve always; once it is available, I always take the flu vaccine. My family has always taken the flu vaccine,” he outlined.

Other priority groups include pregnant women; children over six months of age with chronic illnesses; non-health front-line workers, such as police, army, correctional services, customs and immigration officers; parliamentarians; institutionalised persons; the elderly; and adults over 65 years with chronic illnesses.

In keeping with efforts to ensure access, residents were reminded that influenza vaccines are available through public health facilities across the parish.

“Our clinics are available for persons to go and access the flu vaccine,” Mr. Miller said, noting that services can be accessed at health centres in Whitehouse, Darliston, Negril, Little London and Grange Hill in the parish.

He encouraged residents to speak directly with healthcare providers at these locations to make the necessary arrangements.

“We are using this opportunity to give the correct information to the public, for persons to take the business of flu vaccine very seriously, to minimise the likelihood of you end up having complications and then have to be hospitalised. We don’t want persons to be hospitalised for something that is preventable,” Mr. Miller said.

The flu season typically begins in October, peaks between December and March, and can extend as late as May.

Mr. Miller emphasised that persons with chronic illnesses face a higher risk of complications if infected.

“Persons who have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer, sickle cell anemia, and other conditions that can compromise your immune system, we want you to make good use of this opportunity,” he said.

“Vaccines are free, and we just want you to go out and ask about it, ask questions. If you are not clear, we are always available to share the right information with you, so as to allow you to make an informed decision with regard to your own health and well-being,” Mr. Miller said.