With seasonal flu activity predicted to begin as early as October this year, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is already preparing well ahead of time by making available seasonal flu vaccines in all primary healthcare centres and vaccination centres across the country.

According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2012-2013 seasonal flu event is expected as early as October and to continue to occur as late as May next year.

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against three influenza viruses that experts predict will be the most common during the upcoming season and the three kinds of influenza viruses that commonly circulate among people today are influenza B viruses, influenza A (H1N1) viruses, and influenza A (H3N2) viruses.

Each year, one flu virus of each kind is used to produce seasonal influenza vaccine.

The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as 2012-2013 flu season vaccine becomes available in their community because influenza seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

“We are already preparing to begin the yearly seasonal flu vaccination and we will be starting with those who will be embarking on Haj this year as it is compulsory for Haj pilgrims to be vaccinated against non-communicable diseases,” SCH Public Health department director Dr Mohamed al-Thani told Gulf Times.

He mentioned that there were plans to also launch some nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at sensitising and encouraging people to go for influenza and seasonal flu shots.

“Because the season for influenza viruses is fast approaching, it is pertinent for residents to go for the jab, especially those planning to travel soon…this is very important,” the official maintained.

According to him, the SCH has stockpiled more than enough seasonal and influenza viruses vaccines that can go round everyone.

“We have in stock more than enough vaccines to cover everyone and they are already available free of cost in all primary healthcare centres as well as vaccination centres and private hospitals across the country,” Dr Mohamed al-Thani claimed.

He also added that chicken pox vaccines are being provided free of cost as well.
Dr Mohamed al-Thani explained that everyone who is at least six months of age should get a flu vaccine this season.

He stressed that it is especially important for some people to get vaccinated.
These people include those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu, including people who have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease; pregnant women; people aged 65 years and older and people who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications such as household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

“A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with the flu viruses as they change,” he explained, adding: “getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.”

Asked about the number of deaths caused by seasonal or influenza flu viruses last year, he said: “Due to our continuous efforts in ensuring protection and quality health for the people, we did not witness any major cases of death related to H1N1 or seasonal flu last year up until now…may be we had one or two cases.”

The official attributed the low mortality due to the viruses, to high level of awareness among the population.

“People are becoming more oriented about the importance of seasonal flu vaccination. However, we are hoping to keep tackling communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and measles, which are still major issues of concern to the health authority,” Dr Mohamed al-Thani said.