The Best Way to Protect Against the Flu is Vaccination: Ministry's Urging

Acute respiratory viral infections are among the most common not only as infectious diseases but also in overall morbidity, causing between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year, stated the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

“In these days, everyone is following the situation related to the new coronavirus. The World Health Organization has already declared a 'public health emergency of international concern.' During the prevention of diseases caused by the new coronavirus, among other preventive measures, the availability of vaccines, which is still in the development phase, is particularly emphasized.

Despite the current focus of public attention on the pandemic situation caused by the new coronavirus and concerns about how to avoid the new virus, seasonal flu-related illness continues to be recorded, which seems to have been forgotten, even though the best and most effective prevention method, vaccination, has been available and applied for decades.

It should be noted that flu epidemics cause between 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness worldwide annually. The Ministry reminds us that all clinics in the republic are stocked with seasonal flu vaccine, and anyone who has not yet received the seasonal flu vaccination can contact their registered clinic and get vaccinated.

Vaccinations are conducted on a voluntary basis, free of charge, within the framework of the state order, prioritizing risk groups such as pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, individuals over 65, those with diabetes, chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney diseases, healthcare workers, people in closed institutions, and support staff. However, vaccination will also be available for other population groups (at the expense of individuals who refuse vaccination from the risk groups).

Once again, we urge you: if you have not yet been vaccinated against the seasonal flu, please visit your clinic and get vaccinated,” the statement from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia concluded.