Some 130,000 senior citizens will benefit from the free anti-influenza vaccination  throughout the month of May. This annual initiative of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions, expected to cost some Rs 6 million, was launched at the Municipality of Vacoas/Phoenix on Monday. A first batch of some 400 senior citizens were vaccinated. Other vaccination sessions will be held throughout the island until the end of May.

“Senior citizens are our banks where the country's memories, history and knowledge are stored. The country has succeeded thanks to their efforts and hard labour. It is only natural that we try to ensure as much as we can a safe environment, while we cater for their health, pension and security needs as much as possible. This vaccination campaign is part of our responsibility,” says Sheila Bappoo, Minister of  Social Security .

“Influenza is particularly dangerous for older people. They are more exposed to bacteria and other infections because of a weaker body resistance mechanism. Symptoms such as fever, flu and running noses should not be dismissed as unimportant because they may cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis,” says Dr Veenoo Basant Rai, Medical Director, Ministry of Social Security.

Dr Abu Kasenally, Minister of Public Utilities, says that there are no medications that can cure influenza once a person is infected with it. “The virus is generally the cause of fatigues, blood pressure and cardiac disequilibriums, once flu is contracted. The two categories of people who are more at risk are senior citizens and children who have weaker body resistance mechanisms,” Dr. Kasenally adds.