Gauteng Department of Health and Social development is urging pregnant women, patients with chronic lung and heart diseases, diabetic, school going learners under the age of 20 as well as senior citizens over 65 years to immunise against influenza.
More than 30 000 doses have been administered since in April 2011. The aim of this drive is to decrease mortality and morbidity rates as well as to reduce transmission of the pandemic virus within communities.
More people are expected to present with flu-like symptoms because of the harsh winter conditions this year.
The vaccine is available at all public health facilities as well as private pharmacies in the province.
Furthermore the department has a shortage of pentaxim vaccine used to immunised infants from the age of 6 weeks.
The manufacturer is experiencing a production problem which has affected availability in all provinces. They have promised to resume supply next week.
All mothers whose children were affected by the shortage will be advised when to bring them back for immunisation.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
