People can get the flu vaccine free of charge at primary health centres, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) outpatient clinics and more than 40 private and semi-private clinics and hospitals across Qatar.
Head of Vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Dr. Zoha Al Bayat said the process of getting the flu vaccine has been made easy and convenient for the public.
“People are helped to get the flu vaccine easily and it is made available at government, semi-government and private healthcare facilities. People who want to get the flu vaccine can walk into their health centers without an appointment. Special counters have been allotted at the health centers and the entire process takes no more than 15 minutes,” said Dr. Al Bayat said in a TV program.
The Ministry, HMC and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) recently launched the annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign.
Circulating flu viruses change from year to year, which is why it's important to get the flu vaccine every year. The flu is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death, and should never be underestimated.
Dr. According to Al Bayat, the annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best and safest way to reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it to others.
It takes up to two weeks for maximal protection against influenza to develop after vaccination, Dr. So the sooner people get vaccinated, the sooner they are protected, Al Bayat explained.
