Residents urged to take flu shots
Health Ministry campaign highlights risks and stresses the importance of vaccination among people |
With the seasons changing, the influenza virus is in the air and the Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched a nationwide campaign to spread awareness on combating the dreaded flu.
Yesterday, ministry officials called on people to take the flu vaccination, to minimise the complications of infection and prevent it from spreading.
The National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign, which will run until the end of December, targets all members of the community, especially groups that are at higher risk to exposure and health care professionals in the country.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics at the ministry, said the complications that result from seasonal influenza can be dangerous and in some cases deadly, which is why the campaign stresses on the importance of taking the vaccine. ■ ■ ■
What is seasonal influenza?
An acute viral infection that spreads from person to person and can affect anyone in any age group. Infection ranges from mild to severe illnesses, and in rare cases death.
Who needs vaccination?
Health care professionals and people in the high risk group, which include pregnant
“Seasonal influenza poses a challenge to health systems around the world and causes about 3-5 million annual cases of severe illness, leading to health and economic problems,” said Dr Rand. “This requires action to strengthen studies and control infection in all medical facilities and raise awareness of preventive measures among the community.”
‘Most effective prevention’
Dr Rand said it is advised to take the vaccination every year. It will be available for free to citizens and people with chronic illnesses who have been admitted to hospitals.
The shots are available at the ministry’s 76 primary health care centres and private health institutions, said Dr Nada Hassan Al Marzouqi, Director of the Preventive Medicine Department at the health ministry.
“Taking the vaccine is one of the most effective interventions for preventing seasonal flu,” she said. “The campaign focuses on pregnant women who suffer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease; the elderly and children under five. These groups are more susceptible to complications from the virus.”
She added that while the vaccine doesn’t protect one from getting the flu, it prevents more than 80 per cent of severe complications the flu can cause.
The National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi and Dubai Health Authority.