Flu shots are available at the Cayman Islands Hospital, District Health Centres, Faith Hospital and Little Cayman clinic.
The vaccine is available at:
The General Practice Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and all District Health Centres, from 2pm to 4pm Monday through Friday.
Little Cayman Clinic. Residents of Little Cayman should contact the clinic to make arrangements.
The flu vaccine is being offered free to all residents. No appointments are necessary, however persons should indicate to the registration officer at the clinic that they need to have the flu shot.
Director of Primary Health Care Services Dr. Kiran Kumar recommends that persons be vaccinated before the peak of the flu season, which ranges between December and January. Flu season can last as late as May.
Mr. Kumar advises that as the vaccine is effective for only one season, persons at high risk for complications from influenza and those who live with or care for high-risk persons should be vaccinated early each year.
For more information contact:
Public Health Clinic at 244-2648
The General Practice Unit at 244-2800
Faith Hospital at 948-2243
Little Cayman Clinic at 948-0114
The District Health Centres
East End 947-7440
North Side 947-9525
West Bay 949-3439
Bodden Town 947-2299
Who should
Persons at high risk for complications from the flu should receive the vaccine, including:
All children aged 6 months and older; the current paediatric vaccine available is for children aged 6- 35 months. Another flu vaccine for older children is to arrive later. The adult vaccine available is for persons 18 years and older.
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma.
Women who will be pregnant during the flu season. Women who are already pregnant will require a prescription from an obstetrician
People with weakened immune systems due to illness or treatment such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation
People who live in nursing homes, and other long term care facilities.
Persons who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu including:
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age
Household contacts and caregivers of person 50 years and older
Health care workers
Anyone who wishes to decrease their risk of getting influenza or spreading influenza to others.
Who shouldn’t
Annual vaccination may also be recommended for:
People who provide essential community services
People living in correctional facilities and other crowded facilities
The following persons should not be vaccinated without first consulting their physician:
People who have severe allergy to chicken or chicken eggs
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
People who developed Guillian-Barre’ syndrome within six weeks of getting a vaccine previously.
People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated.
Side effects
Some people may experience side effects of the vaccine. The most common reactions to the flu vaccine are soreness and redness at the site of the injection, fever, fatigue, painful joints and headache. Panadol or similar medications will reliever the symptoms. Before being vaccinated, it is recommended that persons become familiar with information about the vaccine.
Related Videos
