Health platform urges early flu vaccination ahead of winter
Saudi health authorities stress the importance of getting the seasonal flu vaccine before winter, as immunity takes two weeks to develop after vaccination.
Key Takeaways
AIThe "Live Well" health awareness platform has urged people to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine early to help prevent fatigue and colds during the winter months.
Why is early flu vaccination recommended?
The platform explained on its X account that the human body needs about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies and build immunity against the virus.
It noted that September and October are among the best times to get the vaccine and benefit from early protection.
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Flu vaccination campaign begins
The Ministry of Health has announced the launch of this year’s seasonal influenza vaccination campaign. Appointments can be booked through the "Seasonal Influenza Vaccine" service on the Sehhaty app, as part of efforts to promote preventive health and improve access to healthcare services.
The ministry stated that the vaccine helps reduce the risk of contracting seasonal influenza and limits its complications, noting that 95.5% of intensive care admissions due to influenza last year involved people who had not been vaccinated.
Groups most at risk of flu complications
The ministry highlighted that those most at risk of flu complications include people with chronic diseases, individuals over 50 years old, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, people with severe obesity, and healthcare workers.