{
  "id": 12391479,
  "title": "Health Ministry urges vaccination amid rise in seasonal respiratory infections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/health-ministry-urges-vaccination-amid-rise-in-seasonal-respiratory",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:53:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665173/saudi-arabia/health-ministry-urges-vaccination-amid-rise-in-seasonal-respiratory-infections"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Health in Riyadh has reported a rise in respiratory infections as the virus season begins, which aligns with typical patterns. The ministry emphasized that eligible individuals should receive suggested vaccines, such as those for seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), by scheduling an appointment through the Sehhaty application. These vaccines are designed to decrease the likelihood of severe infection and associated complications.\n\nHospital admissions for respiratory infections increased by about 30% over the past three weeks compared to the preceding period, a trend coinciding with heightened activity of several viruses during the season. The ministry stressed the importance of enhancing prevention measures by maintaining hand hygiene, observing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, ensuring proper ventilation of enclosed spaces, wearing masks, and minimizing contact with others when respiratory symptoms are present. These actions are crucial for safeguarding public health and curbing the spread of infection.\n\nThe Ministry of Health remains committed to promoting preventive care and increasing health awareness, working alongside health-sector entities to protect the safety and well-being of community members and enhance their quality of life.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has recorded an increase in respiratory infections coinciding with the start of the virus season, noting that the rise falls within expected levels. The ministry urged eligible groups to receive recommended vaccines, including those against seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), by booking an appointment through the Sehhaty application, as they…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Respiratory virus season drives 30% rise in ICU admissions: Health Ministry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/respiratory-virus-season-drives-30-rise-in-icu-admissions-health",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:08:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Keralam Health Minister K. Muraleedharan pushes for disease prevention through vaccination",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/keralam-health-minister-k-muraleedharan-pushes-for-disease-prevention",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:31:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}