Vaccine uptake statistics disappointing, indicates Health Minister

The number of people receiving the PCV and Covid vaccines is considerably lower than the number of people getting the influenza vaccine, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said in parliament on Monday as he replied to a question posed by Labour MP Katy

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 18 2024
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Vaccine uptake statistics disa

De Giovanni asked the Health Minister about information regarding vaccine uptake in the country, to which Abela replied that the government expected a greater uptake as he commented that vaccines are the best way to combat disease and avoid deaths as well as avoid hospital overfill.

Abela said that currently, there are three vaccines being offered, those being the influenza, Covid-19, and PCV vaccines. He remarked that these three diseases can all lead to death and emphasised that it is important for vulnerable people, including elderly people with certain complications, to have all three of the vaccines.

The Health Minister commented that it was the government's wish to encourage people who go for the influenza vaccine to also get the other available vaccines, referring to the Covid and PCV vaccines, as he said that doing so could potentially save lives. He stated that he thinks the "bad press" regarding the Covid vaccine has been a disservice.

He concluded that the vaccines are being offered in ten centres around the country.

In October 2024, the Ministry for Health launched its 2024 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign, which started on October 21st and will go on until December 15th.

The Ministry had said that after December 15th, the Influenza and Covid-19 vaccines will continue to be available through health centre treatment rooms. It added that the PCV 20 vaccine will be available by appointment through the National Immunization Service clinics.