Egyptian Health Ministry advise citizens to obtain seasonal flu vaccine

CAIRO - 16 August 2022: The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population assured that obtaining the annual influenza vaccine this year provides protection against 4 types of influenza viruses expected to spread this season.

 

Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, said in statements that Vaccination is especially important for people who are most vulnerable to complications from influenza, including “pregnant women,” “the elderly,” “young children,” and “people with weak immune systems.”

 

There are things that may increase the risk of complications from influenza such as “asthma” and “diabetes” in addition to patients with cancer or those who are being treated from it, as well as health conditions related to the brain and nervous system, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart, obesity, cystic fibrosis, patients with kidney, liver and HIV Humans and AIDS.

 

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar revealed that the formation of immunity takes approximately two weeks after receiving the vaccine, but the body can benefit from the vaccine even if you take it after the start of the flu season.

 

“The seasonal influenza vaccine is given starting from the age of 6 months, and for those who are the first time to receive the vaccine, and their age is between 6 months to 9 years, with two doses, one month apart, and for those aged 9 years and over, one dose.”

 

He added that the dose is fixed for all ages. It is 1/2 ml (full dose), regardless of age or number of doses. 

 

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar appealed to citizens to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine for the winter season at Vacsera, adding that the influenza vaccine is old and well-known, and its efficiency in preventing disease is from 50 to 60 percent, and its efficiency in severe infection is from 80 to 90 percent.

 

Abdel Ghaffar said, “There are no contraindications to receiving the seasonal flu vaccine, except in the case of an allergy to the vaccine compounds.

 

He called on everyone, the elderly, young and others, to receive the vaccine as long as there is nothing to prevent it, pointing out that the availability of the vaccine in the pharmacy does not mean receiving it there, noting that the drug must be taken by a doctor, and receiving vaccinations in pharmacies is prohibited by law.