HMC doctor reminds importance of flu vaccination for senior citizens

Doha, Qatar: With the cold season arriving, a senior health official in Qatar is urging senior citizens and residents and their families to prioritize...

Doha, Qatar: With the cold season arriving, a senior health official in Qatar is urging senior citizens and residents and their families to prioritize the annual flu shot. The free vaccine is available at more than 90 government, semi government and private healthcare facilities across the country and offers crucial protection against the influenza virus, especially for vulnerable populations.

The flu can have severe consequences for older adults, often leading to hospitalization and even death. Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, Deputy Chief for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatric Care, and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), emphasized the importance of vaccination.

"The flu shot is a simple and effective way to protect our senior citizens from the serious complications of influenza. It's particularly crucial for older adults with underlying health conditions, as they are more susceptible to severe illness,” Dr. Al Hamad said. “Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the flu vaccine in reducing the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death among older adults. By stimulating the immune system, the vaccine helps the body fight off the virus and reduces the severity of symptoms.”

Key benefits of the flu shot for older adults include:

“At HMC, patients can ask to receive their flu vaccine when they attend their scheduled outpatient’s department appointments and we are encouraging them to do this as soon as possible,” Dr. Al Hamad said. “You can also take the vaccine at all Primary Health Care Centers and a range of private clinics in Qatar.”