Over 61,000 people vaccinated against seasonal influenza: MoPH

As the winter season approaches and a significant drop in temperatures is expected in the coming days, Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has called on all citizens and residents of Qatar to avail the free-of-cost flu vaccines available at all primary healthcare centers, as well as in more than 50 hospitals, private health centres and private and semi-governmental clinics.

The Ministry announced that 61,000 people of different age groups have already been vaccinated against seasonal influenza, within a month since the launch of the national vaccination campaign in October.

The vaccination helps prevent complications from influenza, especially in high-risk populations.

According to the statistics of the Ministry, children were the most vulnerable to complications of influenza during the past years. Hence, the ministry stressed the importance of parents to vaccinate their children. 

People who are at high risk for complications of influenza are also advised to ensure access to seasonal influenza vaccine, including people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, kidney and cancer patients, the elderly (over 65 years of age), children between 6 months and 5 years old, pregnant women, and health workers.

The ministry pointed out that the high rates of immunization coverage come in light of the great efforts exerted by the Ministry and all relevant authorities, whether in the government or private sector to ensure the arrival of vaccinations for the entire population.

Besides, there is a high level of awareness among the population of the importance of vaccination and its effectiveness in the prevention of seasonal flu.

The vaccination teams under the Ministry of Public Health also continue their efforts to vaccinate workers in many institutions, authorities, universities, educational institutions, private companies, and hotels.

The Ministry had earlier announced that at least 200,000 people across the country will be vaccinated for seasonal influenza under its annual 'Fight the Flu' nation-wide campaign.

Vaccination is available free in all primary care centers and Semi-government facilities, and private facilities pic.twitter.com/0w29YmG2zj

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) November 4, 2019

Those who wish to make use of the free service and get themselves vaccinated can visit any of the PHCC health centers or call 107 for appointments.

Here's the complete list of all the places where the flu vaccine is available. 

The flu season typically starts in October and goes on until April.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Source: QNA