With an expected increase in seasonal flu incidence this winter, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) will launch a nationwide anti-seasonal influenza immunisation campaign today.
A single shot this year provides protection against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus, according to experts. The campaign mainly targets children aged six months to 18 years and will be made available in Primary Health Centers (PHC) and schools.
“The flu vaccine this time includes protection against H1N1 influenza A virus,” said Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department.
“The national campaign is aimed at curbing the spread of flu and thus reducing the number of infections. The vaccine has a special strain which can fight against H1N1 virus. The virus is still circulating though mortality has gone down comparatively. Some 400 cases of H1N1 infection have been detected so far this year and seven deaths have been reported of which six had chronic illnesses.”
“Hence the vaccination is especially critical for certain groups who are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications – children younger than five years and those with chronic diseases. We have a stock of some 200,000 doses and more will be ordered if needed,” Dr Al Thani said.
The vaccination will be provided at all the PHCs and the vaccination unit in Abu Hamour. If the demand is high, inoculation will be given in schools too. In cooperation with the Supreme Education Council, vaccination consent forms are being distributed.
“There is a marked increase of flu cases this year and it will increase over the next two months with temperatures going down. Though flu usually cause minor problem, in some cases it can lead to severe health issues which can at times lead to death,” said Dr Abdul Lathif Al Khal, Head of the Communicable Diseases Section at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). “The vaccine provided by Qatar government is safe and is effective against different kinds of flu viruses.”
HMC laboratories examined 1,448 influenza samples between June 24 and November 30, this year. Of this 27 percent of samples were infected with influenza (A) within which 91 percent were H1N1 infected.
Huda NV
The Peninsula