With an imminent change in weather and the risk of influenza (flu) spreading quicker, Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in conjunction with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), has kick-started its annual 'Fight the Flu' nation-wide campaign. 

To help Qatar residents guard themselves and their families against the disease, the health authorities will be providing free-of-cost flu vaccines to at least 200,000 people across the country.

According to HMC, flu is a serious disease and can have severe consequences including hospitalization.

د. عبداللطيف الخال: مرض الإنفلونزا عدوى على درجة عالية من الخطورة تؤدي الى دخول المصاب للمستشفى او حتى تنتهي بوفاته.#حملة_التطعيم_ضد_الإنفلونزا pic.twitter.com/FHNY3Ov4BY

— مؤسسة الرعاية الصحية (@PHCCqatar) October 14, 2019

"The annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best and safest way to reduce the chances of catching the flu and potentially spreading it to your families."

Those who wish to make use of the free service and get themselves vaccinated can visit any of the PHCC health centers or call 107 for appointments.

Over 40 private healthcare centers also offer flu shots. Here's the complete list of all the places where the flu vaccine is available. 

Although anyone can flu, some people are more prone to this illness than others. These include pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, children aged between 6 months to 5 years, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare workers. 

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday, Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, HMC’s deputy chief medical officer and head of Infectious Diseases and co-chair of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee said, "this year, we had witnessed a major attack of influenza a bit early and the campaign aims to reach out to a good section of the public as early as possible," reported Gulf Times. 

He also added that according to initial laboratory data, this year's flu is expected to be more severe than the previous year, urging the public to take precautionary measures at the earliest.

Manager, Health Protection and Communicable Diseases at MoPH, Dr Hamad Al Romaihi said that the number of vaccines for the campaign has been increased in comparison to last year.

"If there is still demand for more [vaccines], we are ready to bring more doses," he said.

Dr Khalid Hamid Elawad, manager, Health Protection, Preventive Health Directorate at PHCC said it has been proven that vaccination leads to risk reduction of influenza.

He added that in addition to vaccination, it is highly important to practice good hygiene. This includes properly and frequently washing hands and protecting others from coughs and sneezes.

"Coughing or sneezing into a tissue paper or an elbow can help prevent the spread of seasonal influenza. People who have flu-like symptoms should stay at home to avoid infecting others," Dr Elawad said.

The flu season typically starts in October and goes on until April.

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