Qatar launched a national influenza vaccine campaign that aims to provide free flu vaccine to all residents and citizens in the state. 

During a ceremony at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), together with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) jointly launched the campaign.

According to health officials, the vaccine is safe for everyone at least six months old. It will be available for free starting this Tuesday, 20 October at all PHCC health centres and at more than 40 private and semi-government health facilities.

Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at HMC, said:

Taking the flu vaccine is more important this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Both COVID-19 and flu have the same symptoms and getting co-infected with flu and coronavirus can lead to severe complications.

MoPH urged all residents and citizens, especially the vulnerable groups to get the flu shot. The Ministry’s target is to vaccinate around 500,000 people, much higher than last year’s 200,000.


Source: The Peninsula Qatar, Gulf Times