More important than ever for people over 50 to get flu vaccine: HMC Expert

Doha: As the winter season approaches people over the age of 50 years are being urged to get the annual seasonal flu vaccination as early as possible this year to avoid serious complications from the virus.

Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2018-2022 Lead for Healthy Ageing and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said people over the age of 50 years are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu because human immune defenses become weaker with age - lowering the ability to fight off viruses and bounce back after illness.

“As the weather begins to change and the cooler winter months set in, we see an increase in the number of patients with the common cold, influenza, and other viral infections of the respiratory tract. As people age, they are at a higher risk of complications from influenza and for this reason, it is strongly recommended that those over the age of 50 years get the influenza vaccine,” Dr. Al Hamad said.