The government is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the flu as the season intensifies, with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) launching its own staff vaccination drive in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said a team led by Nurse Soraya Dupy Winston visited the OPM on Thursday morning to administer flu shots to employees, part of a broader effort to boost protection amid what he described as a “terrible flu that is going around.”

Merchant urged members of the public to take advantage of available vaccines, calling them both effective and necessary as infections rise. “It is safe and it works,” he said during the post-Cabinet briefing, emphasizing the importance of protecting not only individuals but also families and children during the peak of the season.

The initiative comes as health officials continue to warn about increased flu circulation and the strain it can place on workplaces, schools and health facilities. Merchant said the government will continue promoting vaccination as one of the most effective tools to reduce severe illness and prevent further spread across the community.

Cabinet officials said the campaign reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening public health preparedness, particularly during high-risk seasonal periods.