2012-2013 winter flu vaccination campaign

[Janet]

The winter flu vaccination campaign will start a bit later this year because of delays in supplies. Sanidad said that the Canaries is not the only autonomous region affected, and that the delay shouldn't have a noticeable effect on the public  because flu outbreaks here always run behind those on the mainland, namely between the end of December and the middle of March. Sanidad hopes to be able to give the definitive dates for the flu vaccination campaign in the next few days. JA

[Michael]

It's that time of the year in our part of the world as well. Us 2 old crocks have got our appointments. 

[Janet]

Not just here, it seems ..... there appears to be a general shortage of the vaccine. Has anyone had one of these jabs yet??

Link

[Michael]

We're due to get ours on Saturday.

[mrintech]

Is it compulsory for everyone there? 

[Janet]

No, not at all, but it's "strongly advised" for certain groups who are considered to be at risk if they catch it, like the elderly, those with breathing problems, etc.

[Michael]

Is it compulsory for everyone there? 

Like Janet says, my wife has a few medical issues and I have a heart condition so we both get it every year.

[Perikles]

No, not at all, but it's "strongly advised" for certain groups who are considered to be at risk if they catch it, like the elderly, those with breathing problems, etc.

I had it a couple of years ago, and immediately had the worst bout of 'flu in my life. That was the second time that I had such a reaction. Since then, I take my chances without it.

[Janet]

The 2012-2013 flu vaccination campaign is now underway and injections will be available from next Monday, 22 October: patients just need to ring 012 to make an appointment. Sanidad stresses that those in groups considered to be at special risk of complications from flu should make early appointments: supplies are available for 250,000 vaccinations. Groups considered at particular risk are health workers, over-65s, chronically ill (e.g. asthmatics, diabetics, those with heart conditions or immune system problems), pregnant women, and the morbidly obese (with a body mass index over 40).  For more information, Sanidad refers to the World Health Organization HERE. JA

[Janet]

The flu vaccination campaign has been suspended for the moment after the Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios stopped a series of batches of the vaccine, as a "preventative measure". The Consejería de Sanidad made the announcement this morning, and said that the director of the Servicio Canario de la Salud (SCS), Juana María Reyes Melián, and the head of the Public Health's Servicio de Epidemiología y Prevención, Domingo Núñez will give a press conference at 5pm to explain further. JA