Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547491
GOZO residents aged 13 and over can receive their seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and pneu- mococcal vaccinations at Victoria Health Centre from 2 November, as the government launches its 2026/2027 seasonal vaccination campaign. The vaccinations will be available free of charge to el- igible individuals, with walk-in services operating daily, including weekends and public holidays, be- tween 1pm and 7pm. The campaign, launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg, aims to protect the population against respiratory infections ahead of the winter months. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and over, while the PCV20 pneumococcal vac- cine is offered to adults aged 60 and over and younger people with qualifying chronic medical condi- tions. Pneumococcal vaccination is administered only once, mean- ing people who have already re- ceived the PCV20 vaccine should not receive another dose. Vulner- able adults under 60 must present a medical certificate confirming their eligibility. Dedicated vaccination sessions for babies, children and adoles- cents aged six months to 12 years, as well as pregnant women, will al- so be held at the National Immu- nisation Service Clinic in Rabat, Gozo. These sessions will run be- tween 7.30am and 2pm, without the need for an appointment, on the following dates: • 7 and 8 November • 14 and 15 November • 21 and 22 November • 28 and 29 November • 5 and 6 November • 12 and 13 November • 27, 28, 29 and 30 November Parents or legal guardians ac- companying children must bring their identity card and the child's health record booklet, commonly known as the Baby Booklet. Vaccinations will also be of- fered through participating local councils, with residents advised to contact their respective coun- cil to confirm whether sessions are being organised locally and obtain details of dates, times and locations. Private doctors can al- so obtain government-procured supplies of the three vaccines and administer them to eligible patients. Residents wishing to re- ceive their vaccinations through their family doctor are advised to contact the practice directly. All those attending vaccination sessions must present a valid identity card. Health authorities are encouraging the public not to wait until respiratory infections become more widespread before getting vaccinated, saying early vaccination gives the body time to develop protection ahead of win- ter. Influenza, COVID-19 and pneu- mococcal infections can lead to serious complications, particular- ly among older people, young chil- dren, pregnant women and those with underlying medical con- ditions. "Surveillance data indi- cates an increase in influenza-like illnesses as the respiratory season begins, although levels remain broadly similar to those recorded during the same period in previ- ous years. No corresponding in- crease in hospital admissions has been recorded so far," the Health authorities said. 5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS Residents can now get seasonal flu and COVID-19 jabs at Victoria Health Centre Gozo residents aged 13 and over can receive their seasonal inf luenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations at Victoria Health Centre, as the government launches its 2026/2027 seasonal vaccination campaign The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and over, while the PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine is offered to adults aged 60 and over and younger people with qualifying chronic medical conditions Rehabilitation works completed at Mgarr ix-Xini valley WORKS to rehabilitate and clear Mġarr ix-Xini Valley, aimed at improving rainwater flow and safeguarding the val- ley's natural environment, have been completed. The works covered a stretch of approximately one kilometre, from Triq tal-Gruqa to the ex- isting dam, and were carried out during the summer. Visiting the site, Gozo Minis- ter Clint Camilleri said that the intervention was intended to strengthen the valley's capacity to collect and channel rainwater while also safeguarding native vegetation, soil and biodiversity. Furthermore, the project in- cluded the removal of vegeta- tion from an area measuring approximatively 11,700 square metres, as well as around 24,500 cubic metres of sediment and accumulated material from the valley. Attention was also given to controlling invasive species, especially reeds, which can ob- struct water flow and compete with native vegetation Their removal is expected to create better conditions for the regeneration of natural habitats while protecting trees and pro- tected species. Camilleri said the completed works could contribute to better rainwater management, lower flood risks and strengthen the ecological and landscape value of Mġarr ix-Xini valley. Works to rehabilitate and clear Mġarr ix-Xini Valley, aimed at improving rainwater f low and safeguarding the valley's natural environment, have been completed Mgarr ix-Xini Valley