CMOH: Tobagonians sceptical about flu vaccine

Acting County Medical Officer of Health Dr Tiffany Hoyte said most Tobagonians are still "on the fence" about taking the flu vaccine.

At a press briefing hosted by the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development on Tuesday, Hoyte said the response by the public to getting vaccinated has not been ideal. A March 2 press release by the health ministry revealed 40 people died from the influenza virus in the last flu season, which started in October 2019.

On Tuesday, Hoyte said people are still sceptical even though the new flu season (October 2020 to May 2021) has started.

"Honestly, it could be much, much better. We have gotten feedback from persons expressing concerns about taking the vaccine. Most people are on the fence about it. I would use this opportunity to say the flu vaccine is safe, and given the fact that the flu season has started and unlike other viral illnesses we have a vaccine that when you take it it can prevent you from getting ill, I would like to encourage persons to take advantage of that."

She added, "Because we have the covid(19) outbreak ongoing, you would benefit from taking the vaccine and avoid the risk of a double infection."