As the winter season approaches, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar, is kicking off the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). From October 1, flu vaccines for the 2024-25 winter season will be available free of charge at more than 80 health facilities and clinics across the country, including PHCC Health Centres, outpatient clinics at HMC, and various other hospitals and clinics. Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at HMC, stresses the importance of early vaccination to protect against the flu before the arrival of winter, noting that the flu vaccine changes yearly to combat the circulating strains of the virus.
Dr Al Khal emphasizes that the flu can be a serious disease that should not be underestimated, as it can lead to hospitalization and even death. He urges all individuals to receive the flu vaccine each winter to protect themselves and their families. Dr Hamad Al Romaihi, Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control at the MoPH, highlights the importance of vaccinating individuals aged six months and older, particularly those in high-risk groups such as people over 50 years, individuals with chronic conditions, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, Manager of Health Protection at PHCC, encourages the community to get vaccinated as soon as possible to build immunity before the winter season. He reassures the public that the flu vaccine is safe and cannot cause the flu, as the virus is inactivated. Dr Elawad stresses that getting vaccinated early is important as it takes up to two weeks for maximum protection to develop. He also highlights the safety and efficacy of the flu vaccine, which has been used for over 50 years with extensive research supporting its benefits.
With flu vaccines available at various government, private, and semi-private clinics in Qatar, getting vaccinated has never been more convenient. Dr Al Khal, Dr Al Romaihi, and Dr Elawad all urge individuals to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their communities from the flu this winter. By getting vaccinated early, individuals can reduce their risk of illness and help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Don’t let the flu stop you this year—take advantage of the free flu vaccine and safeguard your health and the health of those around you.
