St. Mary Residents Reminded That Flu Shots Are Available

With October marking the start of the flu season, residents of St. Mary are being reminded that flu shots are available to help safeguard their health and well-being.

Health officials told Tuesday’s (October 20) meeting of the St. Mary Municipal Corporation’s Health and Sanitation Committee in Port Maria that the vaccine is available to persons who wish to be immunised.

Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Mary, Samantha-Gaye Anderson-Ashley, further told JIS News that flu shots are currently available at the Port Maria Health Centre and should soon be available at the various health centres across the parish.

“Individuals can reach out to the respective health centres, just for additional information, in terms of the days that are best for them to come and get the shots administered,” she added.

Mrs. Anderson-Ashley noted, however, that individuals wishing to receive a flu shot should not be experiencing the flu or any other illness that may leave them medically unwell and unable to tolerate the vaccination.

The flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, primarily through coughing, sneezing and close contact with infected individuals.

The virus circulates worldwide and can affect individuals of all ages, causing a range of symptoms, including fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and a runny or stuffy nose.

The vaccine is provided free of charge, with priority given to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, children and older adults with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, individuals who are institutionalised or in State care, and non-health front-line workers.