What is Influenza?
Influenza can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Anyone can get sick from the Influenza virus.
2026 Influenza Vaccination Drive
The influenza season typically spans from October of one year to May of the following year. As the vaccine is formulated for each specific season, it provides protection only for that period; therefore, it is important to receive the updated influenza vaccine every year.
The 2025/2026 influenza vaccine is now available at all health centres. The Ministry of Health encourages all eligible persons to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
It is important to note that individuals in high-risk groups are more likely to experience severe illness if they contract influenza.
Persons belonging to high-risk groups include:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Adults 65 years of age and over.
- Pregnant women.
- Persons suffering from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) (e.g. Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease) regardless of their age.
- Persons with compromised immune systems (e.g. persons with Lupus, certain Cancer patients).
- Persons with chronic respiratory illnesses (e.g. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
- Healthcare workers.
The influenza vaccine is available to members of the public at no cost at all Health Centres.
