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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
AS the influenza (flu) season approaches, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), have joined hands to launch a national campaign to ensure that people are vaccinated, including healthcare workers.
The vaccination is available at all PHCC health centres for free and people can walk-in or call 107 for appointments. The vaccination is also being provided at over 45 private healthcare facilities.
The ministry has set a target of vaccinating 200,000 people during the current edition of the campaign.
There is a dedicated website – www.fighttheflu.qa – where members of the community can find information about the vaccine, including where to get the vaccine for free in Qatar.
The seasonal flu vaccine is the best and safest way to reduce the chances of catching flu and potentially spreading it to others. Every flu season is different with the infection affecting people differently, but thousands of people still continue to die of it.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, HMC’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Head of Infectious Diseases and Co-Chair of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee Dr Abdullatif al Khal said that while the flu virus spreads all year round, it’s more common during winter.
There are many types of influenza virus including type A and B as well as subtypes of type A namely H1NI and H1N2. He said these viruses spread together during the winter season.
He, however, pointed out that the H3N2 virus, which was dominant last year, continues to be so this year as well.
Complications of influenza virus include pneumonia.
Khal said the vaccine is recommended each year because the virus may change every year. “That’s why this year’s vaccine is different from last year’s vaccine.”
He said those at increased risks of complications of influenza include children, elderly (above 65 years), people with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes; those with heart conditions; those on transplants, immunotherapy and steroids; and cancer patients.
Dr Khal said the virus spreads fast during the winter season. “It affects eight to 10 percent of the population. Every year, about 10 percent of the population gets symptoms of influenza.”
Dr Khal further said that this year the virus seems to be spreading a little earlier than in the previous years. “Four weeks ago we came across a number of flu cases, and we expect it to recur again in the colder months.”
“Flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and sometimes, even death. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk for the flu and its complications. This includes the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. It’s also important for healthcare workers to get vaccinated to prevent its spread.
PHCC Health Protection Manager, Preventive Health Directorate, Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad said: “Besides getting vaccinated against flu, it’s also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing hands and protecting others from coughs and sneezes.”
MoPH Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Manager and Co-chair of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee Dr Hamad al Romaihi said they were encouraging all healthcare workers to get the vaccine to protect themselves and others. Last year they gave 170,000 doses while this year they were targeting 200,000.
MoPH Head of the Vaccination Section Dr Soha al Bayat said the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and doesn’t cause infertility.
DOHA
AS the influenza (flu) season approaches, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), have joined hands to launch a national campaign to ensure that people are vaccinated, including healthcare workers.
The vaccination is available at all PHCC health centres for free and people can walk-in or call 107 for appointments. The vaccination is also being provided at over 45 private healthcare facilities.
The ministry has set a target of vaccinating 200,000 people during the current edition of the campaign.
There is a dedicated website – www.fighttheflu.qa – where members of the community can find information about the vaccine, including where to get the vaccine for free in Qatar.
The seasonal flu vaccine is the best and safest way to reduce the chances of catching flu and potentially spreading it to others. Every flu season is different with the infection affecting people differently, but thousands of people still continue to die of it.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, HMC’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Head of Infectious Diseases and Co-Chair of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee Dr Abdullatif al Khal said that while the flu virus spreads all year round, it’s more common during winter.
There are many types of influenza virus including type A and B as well as subtypes of type A namely H1NI and H1N2. He said these viruses spread together during the winter season.
He, however, pointed out that the H3N2 virus, which was dominant last year, continues to be so this year as well.
Complications of influenza virus include pneumonia.
Khal said the vaccine is recommended each year because the virus may change every year. “That’s why this year’s vaccine is different from last year’s vaccine.”
He said those at increased risks of complications of influenza include children, elderly (above 65 years), people with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes; those with heart conditions; those on transplants, immunotherapy and steroids; and cancer patients.
Dr Khal said the virus spreads fast during the winter season. “It affects eight to 10 percent of the population. Every year, about 10 percent of the population gets symptoms of influenza.”
Dr Khal further said that this year the virus seems to be spreading a little earlier than in the previous years. “Four weeks ago we came across a number of flu cases, and we expect it to recur again in the colder months.”
“Flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and sometimes, even death. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk for the flu and its complications. This includes the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. It’s also important for healthcare workers to get vaccinated to prevent its spread.
PHCC Health Protection Manager, Preventive Health Directorate, Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad said: “Besides getting vaccinated against flu, it’s also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing hands and protecting others from coughs and sneezes.”
MoPH Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Manager and Co-chair of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee Dr Hamad al Romaihi said they were encouraging all healthcare workers to get the vaccine to protect themselves and others. Last year they gave 170,000 doses while this year they were targeting 200,000.
MoPH Head of the Vaccination Section Dr Soha al Bayat said the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and doesn’t cause infertility.
