Tam guarantees the normal operation of Asilo Vila Madalena

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, replying to questions from the media after a public event, said on Saturday that the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) is keeping in close contact with the elderly home, Asilo Vila Madalena, in Coloane, regarding the concerns aired last week over the temporary lodging of former Canidrome greyhounds close to the institution, the Office of the Secretary informed in a statement.

A group of elderly residents hand-delivered a petition to the government last week to protest the relocation of some 500 greyhounds to their Coloane neighborhood, which they say has brought problems of noise and odor since the first batch arrived.

Led by spokesperson Sister Beatrice Ip, the group resides at Asilo Vila Madalena in Coloane village, home to approximately 80 senior citizens, many of whom are over 90 years old.

According to the statement, Tam noted his awareness of the condition and number of elderlies in the senior citizens’ home. The Secretary called for continuous communication on their problems with the greyhounds and remarked that he hoped the relocation project would not affect the normal operations of the home.

Tam added that he expects that Asilo Vila Madalena will soon be included in the government provision of medical services to the elderly, calling on the services of the IAS to accelerate the process.

At the same opportunity, Tam was also questioned on the current status of the Islands Health Care Complex, replying, “all the works of the foundations are finished and last year the construction of the building for the Nursing Institute was started.” The construction is currently scheduled to conclude by next year, he said. RM

Seasonal flu vaccination program starts

Starting from today, the Health Bureau (SSM) will offer free vaccinations against seasonal influenza for individuals at high risk of contracting the disease.

The SSM has purchased a total of 150,000 doses of the quadrivalent flu vaccine this year, which can protect recipients against the influenza A and B viruses.

The first batch of 35,000 doses has already arrived in Macau, with the remaining batches slated to arrive in the near future.

Groups considered eligible for the program include elderly people aged 50 and above, children aged between six months and 18 years, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, and obese individuals (those with a body mass index of at least 30).

Civil servants and employees of non-tertiary schools, nurseries and other institutions such as casinos are also eligible for the vaccine.

The SSM said it will contact relevant organizations regarding other groups in need of vaccination.

The department has issued a reminder that individuals vaccinated between September 2017 and August 2018 still need to be vaccinated with the new vaccine. The updated vaccine has been specially designed for the next bout of seasonal flu, which is expected to occur between February and August next year.

According to the SSM, seasonal influenza is usually more common in Macau from February to March and from June to August.