The City of Joburg will vaccinate 27 500 residents from vulnerable groups and those with compromised health and immunity to protect them against influenza expected this winter.
Read: City of Joburg has big plans for Region E
The City said this would be done at 81 council clinics starting this month. The initiative will target children between six and 49 months, pregnant women up to two weeks after delivery, the chronically ill with pulmonary, renal, lung, heart diseases, diabetes and HIV, and the elderly above 65 years. Other groups who feel in need can also request to be vaccinated at their nearest clinics.
According to Dr Mary Daka of the City, health officials will also vaccinate at old-age homes, and chronic care and rehabilitation centres. The City identified symptoms of flu as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, shivers, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Read: Fend off colds and flu this winter
For prevention residents are advised to:
- Avoid touching the mouth and nose
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly
- Avoid close contact with people who might be ill
- Reduce time spent in crowded places
- Open windows to improve airflow in living spaces
- Practise good health habits, including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and physical activity.
Details: mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
