Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines only for high-risk individuals
ORANJESTAD - The Department of Public Health (DVG) has commenced its annual influenza vaccination campaign and is also separately offering the COVID-19 vaccine to those within the high-risk group.
Similar to influenza, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that continues to cause severe complications and even death in some high-risk groups in our community.
People falling within the high-risk group are recommended to take both the Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines:
- Individuals aged 60 years and older;
- Clients and caregivers, those working in homes and care centers;
- Individuals aged 18 to 59 who, based on the annual advice of their home doctor or specialist, seek their Influenza vaccine. This includes those with obesity (BMI ≥40);
- Adults and children starting from 6 months of age who are mentally incapacitated;
- Other caregivers who have daily contact with patients.
The DVG advises the following high-risk group to take only the annual COVID-19 vaccine:
- Adults and children from 6 months to 59 years with high medical risk (for example, those suffering from illnesses that weaken their immune system);
- Pregnant women at around 22 weeks. For better protection, the recommendation is to get the vaccine in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Bedridden patients (those in bed/immobile) at home, starting from 6 months, are also noted to receive the Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines completely free of charge. To get the vaccine, one must bring an AZV card for verification and make an appointment by calling DVG at 5224200.
On the following days, DVG will be in various neighborhoods around Aruba where those in the mentioned high-risk group, except clients living in care homes, caregivers, bedridden patients, and other high-risk groups, can more easily come to get their vaccines. It is important to note that some individuals in the high-risk group may need a doctor's prescription. During the neighborhood visits, both the Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available, and each vaccine will be administered separately.
| Dates | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 14 and 16 November 2023 | Centro di Bario Playa Pabou | 8:30 to 11:00 am |
| 21 and 23 November 2023 | Centro Deportivo Betico Croes | 8:30 to 11:00 am |
| 28 and 30 November 2023 | Parkeerplaats Arubus San Nicolas | 8:30 to 11:00 am |
| 5 December 2023 | Centro di Bario Lago Heights | 8:30 to 11:00 am |
Starting from November 6, 2023, from Monday to Friday, the Infectious Disease Section of the Department of Public Health (DVG) will be open for vaccinations between 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm.
Individuals aged 6 months to 59 years who are healthy and not part of the high-risk group are not required to come in at this time to receive these vaccines.
| Recomendation y requirements |
COVID-19 | Influenza | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Adults over 60 years | X | X | AZV |
| 2. Individuals aged 18 to 59 who, based on the annual advice of their home doctor or specialist, seek their Influenza vaccine | X | X | Doctor's Prescription |
| 3. Adults and children starting from 6 months of age who are mentally incapacitated | X | X | AZV |
| 4. Adults and children from 6 months to 59 years with high medical (those suffering from illnesses that weaken their immune system) | X | Doctor's Prescription | |
|
5. Pregnant women at around 22 weeks. For better protection, it is advised to get vaccinated | X | Midewife's Prescription |
For more information, visit DVG's Facebook page 'Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba,' follow DVG on Instagram at 'directie_volksgezondheid_aruba,' visit www.dvg.aw, call 5224200, or send an email to servicio@dvg.aw.