26 Mar GUIDELINES ON INFLUENZA VACCINATION FOR 2020
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020. On 14 March 2020, President Ramaphosa announced several steps to curb transmission and on 23 March 2020 further steps were announced. These steps reflect the urgency with which Government is responding to the pandemic.
As we move into the influenza season we have to ensure that the most vulnerable groups get the vaccine -especially in the context of limited supply in the country. This means that all available vaccine (whether available in the public or private sector) must be equitably available to all those that need it.
We have prioritised the following vulnerable groups to whom the vaccine should be available:
- It is mandatory for all health care workers to be vaccinated against influenza;
- The next group to be prioritised is individuals over the age of 65 years;
- Following the elderly, people with cardiovascular disease (including chronic heart disease, hypertension, stroke and diabetes) and chronic lung disease (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
- Pregnant women and people living with HIV and AIDS should be considered for influenza vaccination once the above groups have been vaccinated if supplies are available
Kindly ensure that all socio-economic groups, especially the least privileged, are given equal access to the influenza vaccines. We rely on the integrity of the all health care providers to ensure that these directives are implemented to the best of their ability.
Thank you in advance for adhering to our directive.