By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter


The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has identified a number of target groups who should be administered the seasonal flu vaccine.
“These include children aged from six months to five years, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases that weaken the immunity such as diabetes, diseases of the heart, kidney, cancer, pulmonary and chronic diseases,” explained Dr Hamad Eid al-Rumaihi, director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department.
“All the medical staff are also being administered the flu vaccine,” he told a press conference yesterday at the SCH headquarters. Officials from Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Supreme Education Council were also present.
“All the target groups will visit the primary health centres for their routine vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccination will be administered along with their routine vaccination,” said al-Rumaihi. The official also pointed out that the seasonal flu is the most common strain found in Qatar.
“There is not much difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1. These are the variants of the same disease. This occurs during the winter season. The only difference this year is that the flu season started early. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”
Meanwhile, the  PHCC has  announced that  all health centres will provide vaccination against the  seasonal flu free for all citizens and residents.
PHCC has also said that the public can take the vaccination without any pre-booking. Regarding the preparation in schools, an official from the PHCC has said that there will be a workshop for the nursing staff of schools tomorrow to increase awareness.
The PHCC has also emphasised the importance of  the seasonal flu vaccination for people who do not have immunity, as well as the elderly or those who suffer from heart disease and
diabetes.