HSA readies flu vaccine throughout Cayman
(CNS): Starting Wednesday, 21 October, people can receive the flu vaccine at the Cayman Islands Hospital, District Health Centres in Grand Cayman, Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Clinic. Acting Director of Primary Health Care Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez explained this year’s vaccine will also protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu.
The flu vaccine is free to all residents. While appointments aren’t necessary, those getting the shot need to inform the clinic registration officer.
“We recommend that people get vaccinated as soon as possible and definitely before the peak of the flu season which ranges between December and January,” Williams-Rodriguez said.
He explained that the vaccine is only effective for one season. Everyone six months and older should get the shot, especially people at high risk for complications from influenza and those who live with or care for them.
High-risk persons include the following:
- Children six months to four years old, but especially those under two
- Pregnant women
- People aged 50 or older
- Those of any age with weakened immune systems; people with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney and lung diseases, and diabetes; or those suffering from obesity
- People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
The Public Health Department (PHD) is also offering onsite workplace vaccinations for companies with at least 20 employees who want to get the flu shot, Williams-Rodriguez said. With PHD staff having regular duties every day, the visits cannot be scheduled immediately, he explained.
“While we offer the vaccine at no cost, we are proposing to utilise off-duty staff or retired nurses to participate in the flu vaccine programme at workplaces to administer the vaccine as soon as possible for companies willing to contribute $200 per session,” he said.
“Companies that do not wish to make arrangements for immediate flu vaccine coverage for their employees may get it in late November or December as the visits will be scheduled when employed staff time is available.”
Companies interested in the programmme should contact the Public Health Department at 244-2621 to register.
The flu vaccine will be available at:
- The General Practice Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and all District Health Centres, from 2pm to 4pm Monday through Friday
- The Little Cayman Clinic (residents of Little Cayman should contact the clinic to make arrangements)
- The Cayman Islands Hospital atrium (next to the pharmacy) from 15-28 October, 10am-noon on weekdays.
- The CayShop Expo, being held at the ARC in Camana Bay from 29-31 October
For more information, contact:
Public Health Department – 244-2648
General Practice Unit – 244-2800
Faith Hospital – 948-2243
Little Cayman Clinic – 948-011
District Health Centres:
East End – 947-7440
North Side – 947-9525
West Bay – 949-3439
Bodden Town – 947-2299
Category: Medical and Health
