Mr. M, his partners Gillian Watson and Leigh Hershaw as well as M-KEM’s staff wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2023. We hope that you enjoyed a relaxing vacation and are looking forward to the year ahead.
Many of you face different challenges regarding work or education, and may be placed in a situation best described as unhygienic. Rather than face the risk of infection, administration of specific vaccinations is advised. Doctors, nurses, skin care therapists and people taking part in contact sports where physical contact with other humans takes place, should consider taking special precautions, including preventative vaccination.
Travellers have specific requirements, depending on the country to be visited and other factors. M-KEM has a registered Travel Clinic which dispenses prophylactic Malaria Medication, Yellow Fever vaccinations and other necessary travel medication and vaccines. In the case of an outbreak of Meningitis, individuals who could be infected by the carrier, particularly those who operate in a group dynamic, such as students or religious groups (Hajj) should be vaccinated as a preventative measure.
Preschool vaccinations for children from 6 years of age are obligatory, optional vaccinations for children (which require a prescription) are Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Measles, German measles and Meningitis. (Children do get re-vaccinated at 12 years).
Vaccines are controversial, particularly for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which may be given to girls and boys from the age of 9 years. M-KEM’s Nursing Sisters, although qualified to advise, are not prescriptive in their approach, so that the final decision ultimately rests with the parent. They are able to administer all vaccines, whether supplied by the state or privately. Unfortunately, state vaccines are not always available; in which case, the patient has to foot the bill for the vaccine, as well as the usual consultation fee (unless the entire or partial cost is covered by the medical aid).
M-KEM’s Nursing Sisters serve the public in an advisory capacity and along with the pharmacists and other professionals, take pride in being part of the community.
Who needs vaccinations?
- Elderly – Pneumococcal, Flu, COVID, Shingles, Tetanus for any injuries or Pertussis vaccine to protect themselves or their grandchildren.
- Children from birth to adolescence.
- All students: to boost their childhood vaccines and to protect them against Meningitis, Hep A and HPV related cancers and diseases (for men and women).
- Women who are planning a pregnancy.
- Water and waste workers against Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Typhoid Fever.
- Security workers against Hepatitis B.
- Carers and Health Care workers against any blood borne and Respiratory illnesses.
- Teachers against flu, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chicken pox, Pertussis, Diphtheria and COVID.
- Missionary workers.
- Construction companies against injuries or water/waste related illnesses.
- People who are travelling.
- People with chronic illnesses, like hypertension, diabetes and asthma to prevent flu, pneumococcal infections, COVID and many more vaccine preventable diseases.
Please note: This article is intended to be a synopsis. For further information, kindly contact M-KEM Clinics on (021) 948 5706 EXT 2 or email [email protected]