HMC urges elderly residents to get influenza vaccine

DOHA: Physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) are cautioning elderly residents who have not yet received the influenza vaccine that they may be at higher risk of complications from flu.

Dr Mahmoud Ahmed Refaee, a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at HMC, said the influenza vaccine, or flu shot, has been available in Qatar since October. He said the influenza vaccine is recommended for senior’s age 65 years and above, adding it is a safe and effective way to help stay healthy, prevent illness, and even save lives.

“As the weather begins to change and the cooler winter months move in, we see an increase in the number of patients with the common cold, influenza, and other viral infections of the respiratory tract. As people age, they are at higher risk of complications from influenza and for this reason, it is strongly recommended that those aged 65 years and above get the influenza vaccine,” said Dr Rafaee.

He added that elderly residents who contract the flu are especially vulnerable to complications and may be more susceptible to pneumonia and the worsening of existing chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma, and diabetes.

For the best protection, it is advisable to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. Dr Rafaee said it takes about two weeks to build immunity to the influenza virus and says immunity typically lasts through the flu season.

Dr Rafaee said the flu shot is safe for most people, but he recommends elderly residents who have existing medical conditions talk to their doctor before getting the vaccine. He adds that most healthy adults will not experience any side effects from the vaccine.

“The most common side effect of the flu shot is arm soreness, and sometimes redness at the injection site. People do however sometimes report body aches, fever, or a cough. For most people, these symptoms will disappear after 24 hours,” said Dr Rafaee.

Dr Khalid Elawad, Health Protection Manager, with PHCC, said the Ministry of Public Health, HMC, and PHCC, have joined forces to launch a national influenza vaccination campaign because the vaccination does reduce the spread of the infectious disease and can save lives.

According to Dr Elawad, while both the common cold and the flu generally impact the respiratory system and produce many of the same symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. He says the flu can be very dangerous, particularly for older adults, because they may be at increased risk of falls, injuries, and complications.

The flu vaccination is free of charge to all residents of Qatar and is available at all PHCC Health Centers, some private health facilities, and government facilities.

تنصح كل من مؤسسة حمد الطبية ومؤسسة الرعاية الصحية الأولية، كبار السن من المواطنين والمقيمين بوقاية أنفسهم من الإنفلونزا التي يمكن أن يتعرضوا للإصابة بها في هذا الموسم.

ودعت مؤسسة حمد الطبية، كبار السن الذين تزيد أعمارهم على 65 عاماً للحصول على التطعيم الموسمي ضد الإنفلونزا، والذي بدأت حمد الطبية في توفيره منذ أول أكتوبر الماضي مجاناً، ويستمر مفعول التطعيم عاماً كاملاً.

وأشار الدكتور محمود رفاعي أخصائي طب كبار السن في مؤسسة حمد الطبية، إلى أن أفضل السبل للوقاية من مرض الإنفلونزا هو الحصول على لقاح الإنفلونزا، الذي يقي من الإصابة بهذا المرض ويوفر الحماية ضده لمدة سنة كاملة، ولكن يتعين على الأشخاص الذين لديهم بعض المشاكل أو المخاطر الصحية استشارة الطبيب، قبل اتخاذ القرار بأخذ لقاح الإنفلونزا.;