It’s that time of the year when flu abounds and to prepare for the onslaught, the City of Cape Town’s health department is expected to take delivery of 14 500 units of Influvac by mid-April to bolster the immunity of vulnerable groups.
In a statement last week, the City said there was not enough of the drug to vaccinate everyone so those most vulnerable to the flu would be prioritised. They include:
* Pregnant women;
* Adults or children with chronic pulmonary disease (including asthma); cardiovascular disease (except hypertension); renal, hepatic, neurologic, haematologic or metabolic disorders (including diabetes); morbid obesity and immuno-suppression (including HIV);
* Residents of old-age (nursing) homes and other chronic care or rehabilitation facilities;
* Children aged six months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy; and
* All persons older than 65.