Tribune News Network
Doha
While influenza season is around the corner, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) urges parents to get children vaccinated as they initiate free flu vaccinations for people in Qatar
Children between the age group from 6 months to 5 years of age can receive free flu vaccination, no appointments required as they can walk-in to their registered health centre. The clinics are open for vaccination everyday in all 28 health centres.
It is the 7th year of annual Flu Vaccination campaign, PHCC research has shown that flu vaccination results in reduced cases of flu and fewer doctor visits, less missed work and school days, and a reduced risk of flu-related hospitalisation of children.
“It is imperative that children get their flu vaccinations. Especially children aged 6 months to 5 years, as they are at higher risk of developing serious complications due to flu. Vaccinating children not only protects children against flu and its potentially serious consequences, but it also helps to reduce the spread of the infection,” said Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, Health protection manager, PHCC.
Flu prevention is a priority given that both COVID-19 and flu symptoms may seem similar and can spread in similar ways. Influenza, commonly known as ‘flu’, is a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system – the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus can affect people of all age groups, but children are more susceptible to it, especially with change in season, combined with interactions at school, day-care or at play.
Vaccinating children against flu also plays a crucial role in protecting the rest of the country from the infection as children are known to be ‘super-spreaders’, passing the virus more easily to those around them. It will also help keep family and friends safe, be it older relatives or other vulnerable groups (such as individuals suffering from chronic health conditions), prone to the complications that come with flu.
To schedule an appointment for the flu vaccination contact PHCC’s customer service on 107. The full list of private and government clinics is available on www.fighttheflu.qa