Doha

In the light of Influenza A (H1N1) cases being reported in Qatar, health experts have urged residents to get the seasonal flu vaccine, which can also prevent most common cases of H1N1.

The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) had announced earlier in the week that three girls from the same family were diagnosed with H1N1. They are students of the same primary school, but in different classes.

The SCH clarified that the patients were being followed up and under medication and measures taken to vaccinate all the teachers, administrative staff and other students who were in contact with the infected girls.

Flu vaccines are available free of charge at all the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centres. People who have valid health cards can visit the health centres for the flu shots. They have to go to the clinics where they are enrolled.

Since doctors have to prescribe the flu shots, those who wish to get vaccinated ought to consult a physician first at the health centres. The flu vaccine is also available at the walk-in clinics run by Qatar Red Crescent for the single workers.

Currently, the SCH is in the process of administering the flu vaccine to all healthcare professionals. The process will continue until Sunday. It is expected that school students will be given the flu shots subsequently.

The SCH has increased the number of available flu vaccines this year to accommodate more residents, it is learnt.

Qatar News Agency reported that the SCH convened on Thursday a co-ordination meeting with other competent authorities about H1N1 Influenza A virus.    

Chaired by Dr Saleh bin Ali al-Marri, assistant secretary-general for medical affairs, the meeting was attended by a number of officials from the SCH, the Supreme Education Council, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the PHCC.

The meeting discussed the best means to ensure optimal co-ordination among all the authorities concerned to fight the H1N1 virus.

The SCH is due to hold a press conference on Sunday about the Influenza A virus, with a number of senior officials from all the competent authorities taking part.

The virus "A (H 1 to 1)" is one of the types of seasonal influenza infection, as classified by the World Health Organisation, and does not constitute an epidemic threat, as the majority of cases have only mild or medium infection and are recovering.

The H1N1 Influenza A, a seasonal flu virus that does not constitute an epidemic threat, transmits easily, and can spread rapidly during seasonal epidemics.

While the majority of infected people recover after a week or two without medical treatment, it can be more serious among the elderly, very young and those with other medical conditions, the Qatar News Agency added.