The Family Advisory Council of Hamad General Hospital has urged people to receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible as the flu season has started.

Taking preventive measures is crucial, and the flu vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures. Vaccination provides up to 70% protection in reducing the impact of flu. Patient and family members of the Advisory Committee emphasized that vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu and its possible complications.

Several members of the committee have already received the flu vaccine, proving that vaccines are safe and effective. The immunity of the flu vaccine decreases after a few days, so it is necessary to take the vaccine every year. Also, because flu viruses change frequently, the vaccine is updated annually to ensure continued protection.

In some cases, the infection becomes severe. In some cases, it can lead to hospitalization or death. Each flu season brings different challenges and affects people in different ways. The flu affects millions of people around the world every year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.

In Qatar alone, more than 750 people were hospitalized with the flu in 2022.

Usually, even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu, and unknowingly spread it to others. According to the World Health Organization, while everyone is at risk of catching the flu, some groups are at greater risk. Pregnant women, children, people with chronic diseases, and people over the age of 50 are more vulnerable and should be prioritized for receiving the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is available free of charge at more than 90 health facilities across Qatar. These include 31 health centres, outpatient clinics of Hamad Medical Corporation, 45 semi-government and private hospitals and clinics.