Health platform urges early flu vaccination ahead of winter

Saudi health authorities emphasize the significance of receiving the seasonal flu vaccine before winter, as immunity develops within two weeks following vaccination. The Live Well health awareness platform has advised individuals to obtain the seasonal influenza vaccine early to help ward off fatigue and colds during the winter season.

On their X account, the platform stated that the human body requires approximately two weeks post-vaccination to produce antibodies and establish immunity against the virus. September and October are highlighted as optimal times to receive the vaccine for early protection.

The Ministry of Health has announced the commencement of this year's seasonal influenza vaccination campaign. Appointments for the vaccine can be scheduled through the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine service on the Sehhaty app, as part of initiatives to encourage preventive healthcare and enhance access to medical services. The ministry explained that the vaccine minimizes the risk of contracting seasonal influenza and mitigates its potential complications.

Notably, 95.5% of intensive care admissions due to influenza last year were individuals who had not been vaccinated.

The ministry also identified specific groups at higher risk for flu complications, including individuals with chronic diseases, people over 50 years old, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, those with severe obesity, and healthcare workers.