Director General Maurice Merchant urges parents to protect themselves and their children with flu vaccination
As a particularly severe strain of the flu spreads across Antigua and Barbuda, authorities are encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families through vaccination.
The flu shot, which is a safe and effective vaccine designed to protect against seasonal influenza viruses, works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that fight off the infection. The vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu or lessen its severity if infection does occur.
Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, says the government has partnered with the Ministry of Health to make flu vaccinations so that staff at the Prime Minister’s Office received their shots this week as part of the initiative.
“As you know there is a terrible flu that is going around and so the office of prime minister has collaborated with the Ministry of Health….to administer flu shots. To members of the public, it is safe and it works. Take the flu shot and protect yourself and your children,” Merchant said.
Residents across the island have been reporting symptoms consistent with this year’s flu strain, including severe body aches and vomiting, in addition to the typical fever, cough, and fatigue associated with influenza.
The flu vaccine can be administered at any public or private clinic throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Health officials note that while the shot doesn’t guarantee complete immunity, it remains the most effective preventive measure against seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications.
Residents are being advised not to wait, as flu activity appears to be increasing in communities nationwide.
Well it’s about time. That flu is not easy. It’s a bitch
A smart and necessary move.
With a severe outbreak already underway, getting ahead of the flu curve is crucial and officials urging vaccination now could make a real difference.
That’s a nasty flu and its affecting everyone. I agree to the vax
Smdh! Stop the cap!
I don’t trust any flu shot. Every year they push it like clockwork.
Every time something going around, the answer is always a vaccine. What about prevention tips?
They saying the flu is ‘terrible’ but all of a sudden everybody must line up for a vaccine? Hmm
Clear messaging matters during an outbreak. At least the guidance is straightforward