The 2014 French health campaign reminds us that “flu must be taken seriously”

The fact is that 5-10% of the global adult population and 20-30% of children worldwide catch the flu every year. The illness can lead to hospitalisation and death, mainly in people who are considered high-risk (infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses). According to the WHO, every year, flu epidemics are responsible for approximately three to five million cases of serious illness and for 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide.

Vaccination is the most effective way of avoiding the illness and any serious consequences and protecting those around you. Safe and effective vaccines are available and have been used for more than 60 years.

Remember, anyone working on the CERN site who wishes to be vaccinated against seasonal flu should go to the Infirmary (Building 57, ground floor) with their dose of vaccine.

The Medical Service will issue a prescription on the day of the vaccination for the purposes of reimbursement through UNIQA.

NB: The Medical Service cannot provide this vaccination service for family members or retired members of the personnel, who are advised to visit their GP.

For more information, see the advice issued for 2014:

• The "seasonal flu" flyer by the Medical Service
• Recommendations of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) (in English).

by Medical Service