Seasonal vaccine prevents hospital admissions by 90%

Health authorities: the possibility of giving influenza and “Covid-19” vaccines in one session

During a press conference to announce the launch of the annual national seasonal influenza awareness campaign.

From the source

The health authorities in the country confirmed that recent health studies have proven the possibility of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine in conjunction with the “Covid-19” vaccine, without any risk to the recipients of the vaccine, and announced that pharmacies at the state level have been licensed to give the influenza vaccine to those wishing to obtain it, according to standards and requirements. Specific requirements, which must be adhered to before obtaining the license, in addition to its availability in most hospitals, clinics and health centers.

Health authorities called on all members of society to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, to prevent its risks, and to reduce pressure on health services.

This came during a press conference held yesterday, during which the Ministry of Health and Community Protection announced the launch of the annual national campaign to raise awareness of seasonal influenza, which it organizes under the slogan "Fortify yourself...Protect your community", in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health, the Dubai Health Authority and the Emirates Health Services Corporation. The aim is to raise the level of community awareness and enhance prevention to reduce the incidence of complications, motivate community members to receive vaccination against seasonal influenza, and raise the efficiency of health workers and train them on the best international practices.

The conference participants stressed that the seasonal influenza vaccine prevents the aggravation of the health conditions of people infected with the virus, and reduces their need for hospitalization by between 85% and 90%, stressing that in the last quarter of this year the number of influenza infections began.

The campaign’s target groups include most members of society, with priority given to pregnant women in the first place, ages 50 and over, those with chronic diseases, children under five years, and health workers.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is given free of charge to citizens, and a number of categories of residents, such as those with chronic diseases, those aged 50 years and over, children under five, and those with chronic diseases, while it is given to other categories of residents at nominal prices in federal and local government agencies, as they vary. Prices in the private health sector according to the quality of service.

The Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector in the Ministry, Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, confirmed that the national campaign to raise awareness of seasonal influenza comes in implementation of the national policy for immunizations, which represents a national framework to combat communicable diseases, including seasonal influenza, to reduce its repercussions on the individual and society, and which contributes to the development of the health system response to diseases. Respiratory and strengthening surveillance mechanisms in order to improve the results of the strategic indicator of the vaccination coverage rate according to international standards by making them available in the health facilities network, in recognition of the Ministry of the importance of health security as a national priority in the UAE.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Sector at the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health said: “The campaign annually contributes to raising awareness among the public of all ages and groups to take the annual vaccination against this disease, as the center takes many proactive measures to limit the spread of infection with the virus. Influenza in the community, by ensuring the availability of the vaccine early before the season begins, and implementing awareness and education campaigns to raise the level of awareness of the public and health sector workers about the disease and the importance of vaccination. The center also has an electronic system for reporting a number of infectious diseases, including influenza.

She called on all members of society, starting from the age of six months and above, of the importance of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, and we would like to stress the importance of speeding up vaccination, to reach sufficient immunity, as the body needs up to two weeks to obtain immunity from the disease.

The Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department at the Ministry, Dr. Nada Hassan Al-Marzouqi, explained that the seasonal influenza vaccine is considered effective and safe, given that it has proven its effectiveness over 60 years to prevent influenza infection with a high success rate, as it reduces complications of the disease and the rate of hospitalization, ensuring protection from common viruses. That is why we recommend taking the seasonal influenza vaccine for health workers in the health care sector, in emergency departments, outpatient clinics, primary health care centers and intensive care units to reduce the chances of transmitting the disease to patients and family members.

Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Services Department at the Emirates Foundation for Health Services, confirmed the readiness of hospitals and health centers and the institution's adoption of an integrated plan for all preventive and curative services, as well as the institution's keenness to provide the vaccine in all its facilities for all segments of society.

The doctor also recommended that all members of society take the vaccine and follow preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease, in order to ensure the safety and health of the community and to avoid any complications that may result from infection with influenza.

Head of the Health Promotion and Education Department at the Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Hind Al-Awadi, said that the national campaign to raise awareness of seasonal influenza and other campaigns reflects the unique model of cooperation of all health authorities in confronting diseases and immunizing the community and its members, as well as the extent of the capabilities possessed by the health sector and its ability to provide a climate Safe and healthy, while stressing that the Dubai Health Authority is keen to be part of this integrated system in the face of influenza and other infectious diseases.

Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious disease

The health authorities reported that seasonal influenza is a highly transmissible disease, as a result of inhalation of flying mist in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Another method of transmission is contact with surfaces or materials contaminated with the influenza virus and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Therefore, it is necessary to establish Behaviors to reduce the spread of infection, which are covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, washing hands and cleaning and sterilizing surfaces and tools, knowing that all members of society can receive the vaccine safely starting from the age of six months, as the body needs up to two weeks to obtain immunity from the disease.

• «Health» authorizes pharmacies to give influenza vaccine according to standards and conditions.

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