Local health authorities launch flu-jab campaign

The National Health authority Insalud has launched its 14th anti-flu jab campaign which will run between October 10 and November 30. Rodrigo de Santos, the director for Insalud, said that more than 91'000 residents of Majorca would be vaccinated. Most of them will be over the age of 64 or chronically ill. De Santos said that this was the “star programme” for prevention, and praised the collaboration of the councils of Palma, Alaró, Andraitx, Artá, Binissalem, Calvia, Capdepera, Consell, Manacor, Muro, Sencelles, Santa Margalida and Soller, who will help send out 94'000 letters to persons who are considered at risk. Following recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the flu-jab is offered free of charge to the over 64s, people with chronic lung, kidney, liver or heart problems, metabolic diseases, poor immune systems, people who live with or care for people at risk, health workers and security workers. Josep Corcoll, head of the first aid department, said that the aim of the campaign is to vaccinate 14.3 per cent of the population, 68'842 people over the age of 64 and 22'174 persons from other groups at risk. Corcoll said that the campaign reduces the cost in health terms derived from looking after people hospitalised with the flu. The jabs will be given at the 104 health centres on the island, and in some cases, at home.