Health ministry urges early flu vaccination to build immunity

The Ministry of Health in Riyadh began providing the seasonal influenza vaccine on Wednesday, as part of its commitment to preventive health and improving access to healthcare services. The health authority highlighted that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to complications from seasonal influenza. These groups include individuals with chronic illnesses, those over the age of 50, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, those suffering from severe obesity, and healthcare workers.

The ministry stressed the importance of vaccination, pointing out that 95.5 percent of influenza-related hospitalizations last year were among those who did not receive the vaccine. It emphasized the vaccine's role in reducing the likelihood of contracting influenza and lessening its complications. The authorities noted that vaccination can cut the risk of death among the elderly by over two-thirds.

The ministry underscored the need for annual vaccination due to the flu virus's constant mutation and urged the public, with special attention to those most at risk, to get vaccinated. The public was encouraged to book an appointment for the vaccine through the Sehhaty application.