The National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign

The Ministry of Health and Prevention organizes an annual national campaign to raise awareness of seasonal influenza and encourage citizens and residents of all groups and ages to receive the annual vaccination against this disease. The campaign also provides comprehensive health coverage to protect the community from infectious diseases, especially influenza.

Official Months: September and December

Key Focus Areas

• The National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign is one of the most significant annual health initiatives launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention to limit the spread of seasonal influenza and raise awareness of its causes, symptoms, and methods of prevention.
• The campaign targets the majority of the population, giving priority to pregnant women, people aged 50 years and over, in addition to those with chronic diseases, children under 5 years of age, and health workers.

Top Facts

• The seasonal influenza vaccine reduces illness complications and rates of hospitalization by 85 to 90%.
• Influenza can spread through the air, through contact with infected people as a result of coughing or sneezing, or through contact with surfaces contaminated with the influenza virus.
• Pregnant women, children between 6 months and 5 years of age, the elderly, chronically ill individuals, and healthcare workers are at the greatest risk of complications resulting from influenza.
• All individuals can safely receive the vaccine from the age of six months, and the body needs up to two weeks to obtain immunity from the disease.