Pretoria - With the chilly weather already being felt throughout the country, the Gauteng Department of Health and Social development has urged people at high risk of contracting influenza to vaccinate against flu.
Department spokesperson Simon Zwane said the aim of the drive is to decrease mortality and morbidity rates, as well as to reduce transmission of the pandemic virus within communities.
Zwane urged pregnant women, patients with chronic lung and heart diseases, diabetes, school going learners under the age of 20, as well as senior citizens over 65 years to immunize against influenza.
"More than 30 000 doses have been administered since in April 2011. The vaccine is available at all public health facilities as well as private pharmacies in the province," Zwane said, adding that more people were expected to present with flu-like symptoms because of the harsh winter conditions this year.
Zwane also noted that mothers, whose children were affected by the shortage of pentaxim vaccine used to immunize infants from six weeks, would be advised on when to bring their babies back for immunization.
The manufacturer of the vaccine experienced a production problem, which has affected availability in all provinces.
"They (manufacturer) have promised to resume supply next week," said Zwane.
