Flu shot to cover three strains

2010-03-17 08:51

Antoinette Pienaar, Beeld

Pretoria - This year babies from the age of 6 months can be vaccinated against two types of seasonal influenza as well as the pandemic H1N1 virus (swine flu) with one injection at clinics in the private sector.

According to the pamphlet of Influvac - the only flu vaccine which is available in this sector this year - children between 6 months and 3 years of age are given only half a dose of the vaccine (0.25ml).

Everyone over the age of three is given one dose (0.5ml).

If it is the child's first flu vaccination, it should be repeated after four to six weeks.

The vaccine, which will apparently be available at pharmacies within the next week, provides protection against influenza A (H3N2), influenza B and the H1N1 virus.

The pamphlet also states that pregnant women should consider a flu vaccination from their second trimester.

The state will use its supply of 4.8 million doses to vaccinate especially those who are HIV-positive, pregnant women and healthcare workers.

Influvac is recommended for healthcare workers, children on long-term aspirin treatment and the families of high-risk people.

- Beeld