Ministry launches its annual flu jab campaign

THE Balearic health ministry is prepared to give 149'000 flu jabs during the campaign which starts on Thursday and will continue until November 30 The anti-flu campaign is a preventive measure aimed at the sectors of the population considered at risk.
This includes the over-65s, and people with chronic lung diseases.
The campaign will cost the ministry 536'000 euros.
Health minister Aina Castillo said that last year, 140'000 people received the flu jab, including more than 60 per cent of the over 65s.
She said that 125'000 doses of the vaccine would be distributed in Majorca, 14'000 in Ibiza and Formentera and 10'000 in Minorca.
Castillo said that the number of cases of flu expected this winter is roughly similar to last year.
Other sectors of the population at risk are those with diabetes, kidney problems, women who are more than two months pregnant, anyone who works on a poultry farm or anyone planning to travel to countries where bird flu is prevalent. The health ministry has also prepared a contingency plan for respiratory problems in local hospitals, with 150 beds for this category. Castillo said that extra staff would also be provided for Primary Care Centres where needed. The flu jab will be given at the Primary Care Centres.