The Ministry of Health says the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccine is now available on island. According to a release from the Ministry, the primary health care unit will be conducting an examination campaign shortly.

The EPI programme will be offering vaccinations to all health care workers in the public and private sectors as well as those persons with chronic illnesses and pregnant women.

The islandwide vaccination programme, which aims to protect against swine flu, started on March 9 and continues for the next two weeks. Healthcare workers received their vaccines at the Valley Health Center on Friday.

Starting on March 15, vaccinations will be offered to members of the public at the island’s five health centers.

The release from the Health Ministry says it is seeking full co-operation from the public to ensure optimal health to the citizens and residents of Anguilla.

Last year, health care professionals reported less than a dozen cases of swine flu on the island.  A few cases in one of the primary schools forced the authorities to close the school for over a week while the school buildings were sanitized.A

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