The Government pledges Macao has sufficient seasonal influenza vaccine for its residents, adding that an extra 40,000 doses is expected to arrive in batches over the following two days.
In view of the recent requests for flu vaccine, the Health Bureau has updated its arrangement for vaccination at health centres and health stations, in order to maintain order at those medical venues and proceed with greater efficiency.
Vulnerable groups are given priority for a vaccination, to be administered on or before 31 January. Such groups include: children below five years old; patients receiving cancer chemotherapy; patients who have received an organ transplant; and haemodialysis patients.
An appointment – with either a health centre or health station; and made either in person or via a telephone booking – was required in order to receive a vaccination, stated officials of the Health Bureau on Sunday (28 January) during a press conference.
The Bureau advised that the public need not rush to receive a vaccination, as the Government had prepared sufficient vaccine and other medical supplies in order to cope with the fluctuating incidence of flu during winter, typically a peak season for the illness.
The Government’s response scheme to deal with seasonal flu includes a stock of antiviral medicines that could serve an aggregate of 180,000 people, and a three-month supply of epidemic-prevention material.
Health centres and stations across the city had extended working hours over the weekend (27 and 28 January), to cope with the recent vaccine requests.
According to the Bureau, more than 3,600 people received a flu jab over the weekend, as of 1pm on Sunday. A total of 4,000 people attended health centres and stations for vaccination on 26 January, representing a ten-time increase from an average of 400 daily during the low season for flu.
Approximately 600 to 800 people per day sought treatment at Conde S. Januário Hospital during the period from 15 to 26 January. Of those patients, about 30 to 70 tested positive for seasonal flu virus.
In addition, the Government also updated its regulations for suspension of classes should a school be affected by seasonal flu.
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, on Sunday visited the Areia Preta Health Centre to gain a better understanding of the situation regarding seasonal flu vaccination.
Mr Tam spoke highly of front-line medical workers regarding their dedication, and he directed the Health Bureau to continue monitoring Macao’s situation regarding seasonal flu and to update response measures as necessary, in order to protect public health.
Members of the public are urged to practise good personal and environmental hygiene and to take heed of the following measures in order to minimise the risk of infection from a respiratory disease:
- Get vaccinated every year for flu;
- Take adequate rest, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly;
- Maintain strict personal hygiene and wash hands frequently;
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing; properly dispose of any nasal or mouth fluid discharge and wash hands thoroughly afterwards; and cover nose and mouth with elbow when sneezing without tissue paper;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation and environmental hygiene;
- Wear a mask if respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough develop; if taking care of a patient at home; and if visiting hospitals and clinics; and
- Seek medical treatment immediately in the event of feeling unwell.
For more information regarding seasonal flu, please visit the website of the Health Bureau (http://www.ssm.gov.mo/csr/); or call the hotline at +853 2870 0800.