The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) stressed the importance of flu vaccination for children for their protection against the seasonal flu. A top Ministry official also highlighted that it is necessary for kids to get vaccinated this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

What is seasonal flu or Influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high risk groups including the very young individuals.

When is the best time for your children to get vaccinated?

“This year is more important than ever to get flu vaccination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changing seasons and kids interacting with each other in school may lead to spread of seasonal flu during the coming months,” said National head for Children and Adolescent Health Strategy, Dr. Sadriya Alkohji.

“Children are more susceptible to flu. Protect your children from getting the virus, and spreading it. Get them vaccinated,” she added in a video message posted by the Ministry via its social media accounts. 

MoPH recommends a flu vaccine by the end of October, before flu begins spreading in the community. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into later, officials said during the launch of the flu vaccination campaign. 

How to get your children vaccinated in Qatar?

Dr. Alkohji encouraged parents to take an appointment for children at any of Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC)’s health centre to receive the free flu vaccination.

The vaccine is available for free across all PHCC’s health centers, HMC (for patients attending clinic appointments) and at more than 50 private clinics and hospitals as well as and semi-governmental health care facilities.

Read also: Did you know MoPH offers several vaccines to protect children from illnesses? Check out Immunization Schedule here.

At what age children must receive vaccination?

According to Dr. Alkohji, children of ages below 5 years, especially those who are under 2 years are most vulnerable to more complications due to the flu.

“Vaccinate your children against the flu to prevent from getting serious symptoms and spreading the virus among others. Studies reveal that flu vaccination leads to reducing the risk of flu infections, visit to hospital and absentee from schools,” she said.

Children aged between six months and five years of age as well as pregnant women are also advised to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.  

The flu vaccination campaign in Qatar is a joint initiative of the Ministry, and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).