Qatar health officials warn to never underestimate flu as influenza vaccination campaign begins – The Peninsula

Qatar health officials warn to never underestimate flu as influenza vaccination campaign begins – The Peninsula

Doha: With seasonal influenza season fast approaching, senior health officials have warned the community not to underestimate the flu this year. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) launched the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign.

With the launch of the campaign, members of the community will be able to receive their free seasonal influenza vaccines at all primary health centers, HMC outpatient clinics and at more than 45 private and semi-private clinics and hospitals across Qatar.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at HMC said the health sector was taking a proactive approach and starting the vaccination campaign in early September.

“Usually, people are exposed to a variety of flu strains every year, which helps to build up immunity to the virus. But with little flu in the past two seasons due in part to COVID-19, that immunity has waned,” Dr. Al Khal said. “The circulating flu viruses change from year to year which is why it is important to receive the flu vaccine annually. It is important that we do not become complacent - flu is a serious disease