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By lifestyle reporter 
2h ago
Flu season generally occurs in South Africa between May and September of each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual vaccination to optimize immunity against circulating influenza strains.
The WHO estimates that annual flu epidemics worldwide cause up to five million cases of serious illness and around 290,000 to 650,000 deaths.
According to the National Department of Health, the flu kills between 6,000 and 11,000 South Africans each year, about 50 percent of those deaths are among the elderly and about 30 percent in people infected with HIV.
As concerns about the spread of Covid-19 grow, medical experts are encouraging more South Africans to get a flu shot.
Since March, Clicks has seen increased demand for flu vaccines, administering more than four times as many vaccines as in the same period last year. With vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women, and children prioritized, demand has been fueled as clients do their best to boost their immune systems and protect themselves from the flu. .
According to Clicks Store Operations Director Sedick Arendse, the retail pharmacy chain has increased its coverage and been able to meet demand by training 200 additional pharmacists to administer vaccines and by providing dedicated nurses in high-traffic stores.
“We are truly proud of our Clinic and Pharmacy teams and thank you for working long hours to ensure that our clients receive the essential medical care they need during these uncertain times,” Arendse says.
He said the stock of flu vaccines is still available at 400 stores across the country.
To book an appointment for a flu shot, call 0860 254 257 or visit www.clicks.co.za/fighttheflu.
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