A new COVID-19 vaccination campaign will start from mid-September 2023. The vaccine is strongly recommended for people who are vulnerable to becoming seriously ill from COVID and for those who work in healthcare. Other people are free to get vaccinated.
To get vaccinated, make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist. The COVID vaccine remains free for everyone. As in previous years, flu vaccination is also recommended for those who are vulnerable.
Recommended for whom?
With COVID vaccination we want to prevent people from becoming seriously ill. It is therefore recommended for those most at risk of getting sick:
-everyone from 65 years old
-persons who stay for a long time in a care facility, such as in residential care centers
-persons with certain underlying health problems such as lung or heart conditions (the overview can be found on Laatjevaccineren.be)
-all persons with a weakened immune system,
-pregnant women
-and all persons working in the healthcare sector in and outside healthcare institutions.
Influenza vaccination is also recommended for these individuals. Vaccination is not specifically recommended for other individuals, but you are free to get vaccinated.
When to vaccinate?
You can get a COVID vaccination from mid-September. Flu vaccination from mid-October. The vaccines can be given at the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice when it is best to get vaccinated and whether the vaccines can be given together. It is important to build up your protection before the number of COVID and flu infections starts to rise in the fall and winter months.
Where to vaccinate?
To get vaccinated, make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist. They schedule times when they vaccinate against COVID-19 and flu. There will be no vaccination centers. The government will also no longer send an invitation to your home address. At work, the occupational health service may offer flu vaccination. COVID vaccination will only be offered in healthcare facilities, not in other companies.
Which vaccine?
The available vaccines against COVID and flu provide very good protection against the risk of becoming seriously ill or having to be admitted to hospital. A vaccine from Pfizer that is adapted to the current virus variant is on the way for COVID-19. That will be used as soon as it is available.
Other Precautions
In addition to vaccination, there are a few good habits to prevent you or other people from becoming infected with respiratory diseases:
-Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
-Ventilate places where you are together with many people.
-Coughing and sneezing? Use a tissue paper and throw it away. No handkerchief? Sneeze into your elbow.
-Sick? Then stay home. Wear a mouth mask if you do go on public transport or in busy places.
You can read everything about vaccination www.laatjevaccineren.be
Source: municipality of Essen
Photo: Pixabay
2023-08-22 15:01:55
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