DOHA: With temperatures dropping, health care experts have urged the public to visit their primary healthcare provider to get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Dr Iman Al Maslamani, Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant and Chairman of Infection Prevention and Control at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) stressed the importance of vaccination against seasonal influenza for all children aged six months to 14 years of age as well as pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart and kidney diseases as well as immune disorders.
HMC will start its annual influenza vaccination campaign for clinical and support staff in coming weeks. “Influenza vaccines protect against developing complications as a result of the flu or cold and they also reduce the number of influenza infections during the season, especially in children and the elderly,” she said. “We recommend that people obtain the vaccine as soon as possible during the cold months.”
To avoid transmitting the virus, those who have influenza are advised to avoid contact with other people, cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze, and maintain proper hygiene such as washing their hands very well and often. Those who are exposed to people with influenza should also observe proper hygiene.
Dr Al Maslamani also stressed the importance of the timely vaccination for children according to the National Immunization Programme in Qatar.
The Peninsula
