(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Doha: The seasonal influenza vaccine is currently available in Qatar and is the same vaccine that Qatar imports every year from prestigious companies such as Abbott and Sanofi, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation said in a statement.
'We have been providing the influenza vaccine for many years and we have had a positive experience with these companies. Moreover, this vaccine is used by many countries around the world, including USA and EU countries.
'Since the beginning of October, we have vaccinated more than 20,000 people, most of them are healthcare workers at Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation.
'We have also begun offering the vaccine to the public, and especially to those aged 50 years or above, children from 6 months to 5 years of age, people with chronic diseases, and pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy, he added.
'This vaccination is safe. Reported side effects can include slight pain at the injection site and a low-grade fever, but these side effects are only reported in a small percentage of people who get the vaccine.
'It is important to highlight that the flu virus that will be spreading this winter is different from the flu virus that circulated last winter.
'It is also important to note that the flu virus can cause severe illness for some people, especially those at increased risk for developing influenza-related complications, Dr Al Khal concluded.
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