The annual influenza season is approaching rapidly. If you are over 65 or suffer from a chronic illness, and you have not yet had your yearly flu jab, time is running out. A winter flu outbreak can occur any time between November and April.
Last month, the World Health Organisation announced the components of the flu vaccine for the southern-hemisphere winter, which will be used from May to October next year in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The organisation times its recommendation to allow the pharmaceutical industry time to produce the vaccine before the start of the Antipodean flu season. Similarly, the World Health Organisation decided six months ago the make-up of the vaccine now being administered in the Republic.
Because influenza is a constantly changing virus, the organisation needs to monitor reports from laboratories around the world in order to decide which three strains to use in the vaccine.
The World Health Organisation has also urged vaccination for all vulnerable groups: those aged 65 or older; adults and children of six months and older with chronic disease of the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver; and those whose immune systems are compromised.
The Canadian province of Ontario has gone a step further than other countries this winter. It is prepared to give free vaccine to all of its citizens.
Here, flu vaccine is available free of charge to all at-risk patients who hold a medical card. Others, such as those in the 65-70 age bracket, are entitled to free vaccine but may have to pay the doctor for administering it.