Qatar University highlights the importance of flu vaccine
Dr. Zachariah Nazar, Assistant Professor at Qatar University highlighted the growing need for individuals to take the vaccine during flu season, especially with an identified rise in coronavirus cases.
It is advised by medical experts to receive the flu vaccine early to help ensure hospital beds are kept free for COVID-19 patients. Further, recent research has revealed that people who are at higher risk from COVID-19 are also at greater risk of complications from the flu.
Data collected by the World Health Organization indicate that around 650,000 people die from influenza (flu), making it a leading cause of death across the world.
Hence, patients are being urged to adhere to advice from their health professionals and receive the flu vaccination this year to reduce the risk of influenza-like illness, especially those that fall within the high-risk groups.
Dr. Zachariah Nazar, Assistant Professor at the College Pharmacy
Dr. Zachariah Nazar, Assistant Professor at the College Pharmacy, Qatar University explains that “there is a lot of inaccurate information regarding the flu vaccine, and therefore it is important for patients to share their concerns with trained health professionals, who are best placed to provide the correct advice”.
“When individuals are vaccinated against the flu, their families and communities are also better protected,” said Dr. Zachariah. “When large numbers of people within a community are vaccinated, we see that the likelihood of the virus spreading and infecting the most vulnerable patients is less. During this pandemic, it is difficult to predict how individuals will react if they get sick, and therefore being vaccinated is the best prevention strategy”.
Primary Health Care Corporation clinics, HMC outpatient clinics (for patients attending clinic appointments), and designated private and semi-private clinics and hospitals will be providing the vaccine for free in Qatar, starting October 20.
You can now dial 107 to book an appointment for the influenza vaccine. The Ministry of Public Health has also launched a campaign addressing the seasonal flu and will provide more information on the vaccine.
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