Wednesday, October 4, 2023 – 2:01 PM
ABU DHABI, 4th October, 2018 (WAM) – The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center launched its annual seasonal influenza awareness campaign under the umbrella of the “Stop the Contagion” program launched by the center with the aim of raising community awareness about a group of infectious diseases and ways to prevent and control them.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of influenza vaccination to prevent infection, investigate infected cases, and analyze the viral type of the disease, which contributes to identifying the main strains and taking appropriate preventive measures.
The program represents part of the emirate’s efforts to provide appropriate vaccinations for citizens and residents, promote effective health prevention, and combat infectious diseases.
Her Excellency Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, stressed the important awareness role played by the Center through the “Stop the Infection Program,” which aims to provide community members with the knowledge and culture necessary to maintain public health and raise their level of awareness of practices. Correct way to avoid infection.
She said that the program is an important addition to the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in the field of awareness and preventive health care. The center is committed to cooperating with a group of strategic partners in order to mitigate potential complications associated with infectious diseases by emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures, especially since we are on the verge of influenza season.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is currently available in 111 health facilities and centers, including 15 pharmacies distributed throughout the emirate, which improves patients’ experience and enhances community members’ enjoyment of the best possible curative and preventive health services.
It is noteworthy that all members of society, starting from the age of 6 months and above, are eligible to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination, which is free for all segments of society and is especially recommended for groups most at risk of contracting the disease and its complications, such as health sector workers, children under the age of five years, and school students (15-18 years old). Pregnant women, those aged 65 years and over, those with chronic diseases, as well as pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims, in addition to smokers.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza. It protects against common strains of viruses that cause influenza and is renewed annually to ensure its ability to provide the body with the necessary immunity. The effectiveness of the vaccination reaches its peak two weeks after receiving it.
It is worth noting that the “Stop the Infection” program includes under its umbrella three other programs: an awareness campaign on the importance of “vaccinations” and confronting “foodborne diseases,” as well as an “antimicrobial resistance” campaign.
Hoda Al-Kubaisi/Ibrahim Nuseirat
2023-10-04 10:04:50
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