Flu can be dangerous
The flu season is here. The 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine for southern hemisphere is now available, it also protects against pandemic influenza H1N1. The United Nations System in Nairobi offers flu vaccination for free to ALL STAFF MEMBERS AND THEIR RECOGNIZED DEPENDENTS over 6 month of age willing to take the shot.
Flu vaccination is particularly recommended for people with chronic diseases (see FAQ below) and also for children and young adults as these groups will be more affected by H1N1 if a second pandemic wave strikes in the region this coming cold season
Vaccination is available on a walk in basis at the UNJMS clinic in Gigiri complex for all staff and their dependents over 10 years of age:
- All working days (including during lunch time) until 21 May 2010.
For children above 6 months and below 10 years of age (children born after 10 May 2000) visit Gertrude Children hospital.
- Every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please report to registration area at casualty department. Children will be registered for immunization only on presentation of UNDSS ground pass and copy of the PA form.
- Children who did not get the flu seasonal vaccine last year will need a second dose after 4 weeks for full protection.
JMS is also visit Kakuma, Dadaab and Garissa duty stations during the course of May. Provisions have been made for Kisumu and Mombasa.
Staff members in UN offices up-country have to contact their line management for information on where and when they can get the vaccine.
All staff willing to get the vaccine should read the information below.
Some people are more likely to be seriously ill with flu and are especially recommended to take the vaccine (see in FAQ above)
All will be requested to stay 20 minutes on site after immunization to ensure that there is no adverse reaction to immunization. This is a normal procedure for any immunization.
In case any reaction occurs later, proceed to the nearest hospital and call JMS 0724 255 378
A signed consent will be required prior to vaccination
The United Nations medical services recommends immunization, however it is your individual choice or your choice as a parent/guardian to accept immunization. The informed consent will allow you and the vaccination team to review the risks and benefit of influenza seasonal vaccination 2010 (including H1N1) for yourself and your children.
Information about the vaccine
Vaxigrip ® trivalent vaccine, is an INACTIVATED influenza vaccine from AVENTIS (France). NO ADJUVANT or preservative has been added. Conform to the WHO recommendations for the season in southern hemisphere.
Pandemic H1N1 flu: still a threat
The pandemic H1N1 was a completely new virus when it emerged and most people had no or little immunity to it. Pandemic H1N1 2009 activity has been of low to moderate levels during the initial pandemic wave in East Africa including when it peaked in November. As the cold season approaches, the virus continues to circulate in southern Europe and in some regions of Africa.A second and more active pandemic wave is still possible in Kenya.
Experience to date indicates that only a small minority of patients with H1N1 develop severe illness and that risk factors for severe disease are similar to seasonal flu. However, younger age groups are more affected by influenza H1N1 and about a third of deaths reported worldwide were in persons without any known risk factor.
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