"Seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect you from Covid, and the Covid vaccine does not protect you from seasonal influenza. So, we encourage you to take both to protect yourselves and those around you": Dr al-Bayat
The annual seasonal influenza vaccine is the best and safest way to reduce the chances of catching the flu and potentially spreading it to others, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has reiterated.
The MoPH on Sunday issued a video message by Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of Vaccination at the ministry, to stress the importance of getting the flu vaccine.
The MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation recently announced the launch of the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign. The vaccine is available for free.
The first phase of the flu campaign in Qatar will focus on key priority groups - those individuals who are at most risk of severe infection from flu.
"With the winter season fast approaching, it also means it's the season for influenza," said Dr al-Bayat in her message. "Influenza is not a simple disease as some may think. It actually causes the admission of hundreds of thousands of people to hospitals across the world. And unfortunately, it also leads to the death of some.
"To protect yourself, you have to take this influenza vaccine annually as the viruses change. To make it easily accessible for all in Qatar, it has been made available in all primary healthcare centres plus more than 40 private clinics and semi-government clinics for free, for all."
She continued, "We encourage you all to take it, but specifically children below five years, pregnant women, those above 50 years, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension or heart problems, and healthcare workers."
"I would like to remind you that the seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect you from Covid, and the Covid vaccine does not protect you from seasonal influenza. So, we encourage you to take both to protect yourselves and those around you," Dr al-Bayat said. "Wishing you good health."
More information, including where to get the flu vaccine in Qatar and FAQs about the flu and Covid-19, can be found on the campaign website - www.fighttheflu.qa
The MoPH on Sunday issued a video message by Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of Vaccination at the ministry, to stress the importance of getting the flu vaccine.
The MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation recently announced the launch of the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign. The vaccine is available for free.
The first phase of the flu campaign in Qatar will focus on key priority groups - those individuals who are at most risk of severe infection from flu.
"With the winter season fast approaching, it also means it's the season for influenza," said Dr al-Bayat in her message. "Influenza is not a simple disease as some may think. It actually causes the admission of hundreds of thousands of people to hospitals across the world. And unfortunately, it also leads to the death of some.
"To protect yourself, you have to take this influenza vaccine annually as the viruses change. To make it easily accessible for all in Qatar, it has been made available in all primary healthcare centres plus more than 40 private clinics and semi-government clinics for free, for all."
She continued, "We encourage you all to take it, but specifically children below five years, pregnant women, those above 50 years, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension or heart problems, and healthcare workers."
"I would like to remind you that the seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect you from Covid, and the Covid vaccine does not protect you from seasonal influenza. So, we encourage you to take both to protect yourselves and those around you," Dr al-Bayat said. "Wishing you good health."
More information, including where to get the flu vaccine in Qatar and FAQs about the flu and Covid-19, can be found on the campaign website - www.fighttheflu.qa