Flu shots prioritized for the elderly and chronically ill
Health authorities started a national flu vaccination campaign, distributing 240,000 vaccine doses to health institutions across the country. Immunization is particularly recommended for at-risk groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions. Specialists emphasize that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent complications associated with the flu.
This morning, several people who came for immunization were met at the vaccination office at one of the family doctor centers in the capital.
"Today, do not take a hot bath and do not do exercises, do not drink alcohol. If it becomes inflamed, apply something cold, and if a fever appears, take medication for it. "
Two of the patients the Moldova 1 TV reporter spoke with said they were vaccinated against the flu for the first time on the recommendation of their family doctor.
"During the winter, I usually have serious problems. I came today, because I had free time in the morning".
"Today, I went to my family doctor and he recommended that I get vaccinated. And that's why I got vaccinated. I'm getting vaccinated for the first time. It was very good, the nurse was very attentive. She even gave me the vaccine packaging".
If for some, vaccination is a first, for others, flu immunization is a regular measure through which they protect their health during each cold season.
"I got a flu vaccine. We do it every year. We are invited by the family doctor or the nurse. It's important, because we get through the cold season better, meaning if we get a cold, we have a virus, we get through it in a mild form".
"We get vaccinated every year, the whole family. This year we also want to vaccinate our little girls. One is two years old and the other is five years old. I'm going to find out and, if I can, I'll get the vaccine today".
The flu vaccine not only prevents illness, but also helps to ease the disease. Vaccination is recommended for both children and adults.
“The flu vaccine is given annually. For adults, it is given in a single dose. For children up to nine years old, who have not been previously vaccinated with the flu vaccine, it is given in two doses”, explains family doctor Mihaela Ababii.
Despite all the benefits, there are also people who do not intend to get vaccinated.
“- We have not been vaccinated. - But are you going to do it? - No. We are against it”.
“No, no. Because if we are going to get sick, we will get sick anyway. We need to maintain our health by consuming vitamins, fruits and vegetables”.
According to the National Public Health Agency (ANSP), over four thousand cases of seasonal flu were recorded last cold season. This year, only five cases of the disease have been reported.
Author: Cornelia Cornea
