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We are nearing the end of African Vaccination Week and we, at Campus Health Services, are so impressed with staff that have stepped up and had their flu vaccinations!

Last week, Campus Health Services went to the Rector's Offices, Facilities Management offices and the Business School at the Belville Campus. Facilities Management even went as far as paying for the influenza vaccine for their entire department!

But most importantly, influenza season is here! The seasons have started to change and therefore everybody is at risk for getting the flu. Protect yourself and your family against the flu by getting a flu vaccine.

It is recommended that everyone should be vaccinated for flu. There are vulnerable populations and some people are more at risk than others. These individuals are urged to get a flu vaccination – these include pregnant women; people over the age of 65; people with a weakened immune system; people with chronic illnesses like Asthma, heart disease, Diabetes and kidney disease, and people who are overweight.

We urge all department heads to encourage and motivate all personnel and students to visit Campus Health Services for a flu vaccination.

Remember that you may still be infected with flu depending on the viruses circulating in the community. The flu vaccination will reduce your chances of being infected.

But the flu vaccine is not the only vaccine we should be concerned about. The MMR vaccine is a vaccine against: Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Generally, the MMR vaccine is given to babies, but it is important to check as an adult that you are still immune. Being at a university campus with lots of students and having a reduced immunity can put you at risk.

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The varicella vaccine is given to children when they are between 12 and 15 months of age, and again between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. Adults who have never had the vaccine or are at risk for whatever reason (carers, students and staff living in a residence, university students, international travellers, amongst others) should receive two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart.

For more information, have a read of this link.

If you are unsure about your immunity against any of the above, or wish to find out more about vaccines for yourself or a group (department or company), please contact Campus Health Services here.

GET YOUR VACCINATIONS NOW. IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! TAKE YOUR HEALTH IN YOUR OWN HANDS! #VACCINESWORK