The Regional Directorate for Health has sent to all Regional Health Units a circular letter recommending the flu vaccination, especially among priority groups, for the 2016/2017 flu season.
 
The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free in the Regional Health Service for people aged over 65; the aim is to achieve a vaccination rate of at least 60% among this age group.
 
This vaccine is available at the health centres that make up the Island Health Units and it does not require a prescription or treatment guide to be administered.
 
In addition to people aged over 65 years, this vaccine is still highly recommended for chronically ill and immunocompromised patients aged six months or over, pregnant women, health professionals and other care providers.
 
From October, each Health Centre will have a specific service for flu vaccination with trivalent vaccine for the 2016/2017 season (whether free or not), which will run from 11 AM to 4:30 PM.
 
Vaccination is also available at Family Health Units as well at the health offices of health centres; the nursing staff will be available to administer the vaccine during regular operating hours.
 
For people who are not covered by free vaccination, the flu vaccine is dispensed at pharmacies as in previous years, through prescription and reimbursement at 37%.
 
Prescriptions issued from July 1, 2016 that specify the flu vaccine for the 2016/2017 season are valid until December 31.
 
The Regional Directorate for Health recalls that influenza is a contagious disease that, in most cases, can be cured spontaneously, but in spite of this, complications may arise in risk groups.
 
Therefore, vaccination is advised, since this is the best method for the prevention of influenza and its complications.