The purchasing of the influenza vaccine is to ensure that those without Medical Aid cover are protected. However, stocks are limited and the vaccine will be available on a first come, first serve basis, to those most at risk and to health care staff in direct contact with patients.
"During 2004 a total of 12 251 doses of influenza vaccine were issued to public sector health facilities followed by a total of 11 777 in 2005. The vaccination uptake varies across institutions," said Pierre Uys, Minister of Health for the Western Cape.
The vaccine composition for 2006 is: A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) - like virus; A/California/7/2004 (H3N2) - like virus and B/Malaysia/2506/2004 - like virus.
The following categories of people are offered influenza vaccination through the public sector health facilities in the Western Cape for the 2006 season (based on the National Department of Health recommendations):
"People involved in avian influenza surveillance or research should be vaccinated in order to reduce the risk of a flu-like illness, leading to unnecessary isolation and investigation," said Dr Keith Cloete, Acting Chief Director: Health Programmes for the Western Cape Department of Health. Vaccines should be given sufficiently early to provide protection for the winter. A protective antibody response takes about two weeks.
Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
Email: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za