Health Ministry launches seasonal flu vaccine, urges appointments via Sehhaty

The Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the launch of this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, with appointments now available through the “Seasonal Influenza Vaccine” service on the Sehhaty app. This initiative is part of ongoing 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 its complications, noting that 95.5% of intensive care admissions due to influenza last year involved individuals who had not received the vaccine.

The Health Ministry emphasized that vaccination lowers the risk of death among older adults by more than two-thirds, highlighting the importance of receiving the vaccine annually due to the constant changes in influenza virus strains.

Groups most at risk of flu complications

The ministry identified those most at risk of flu complications as people with chronic illnesses, individuals over 50, children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, people with severe obesity, and healthcare workers.

The ministry called on all members of the community to book their vaccination appointments through the Sehhaty app, reaffirming its ongoing collaboration with other health sector entities to strengthen prevention, raise health awareness, and encourage practices that protect public health and improve quality of life.