03:01 p
Wednesday 07 September 2022
Books – Ahmed Gomaa:
The Ministry of Health and Population stressed the need to obtain a flu vaccine, which helps reduce the severity of infection by a large percentage, as well as reduce death rates.
The vaccine is available at the headquarters of the “Vaccera” company, in Agouza, and its branches in the governorates and Greater Cairo, in addition to public pharmacies.
Dr. Mostafa Mohammadi, Director General of Vaccinations, said that the quadrivalent vaccine (QIV) has become the norm currently, and we do not expect to return to the triple vaccine again, as there are two types of the quadrivalent vaccine registered in Egypt and health authorities provide it.
The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is available under two trade names, the first “Vaxigrip tetra”, produced by Sanofi in France, and “Influvac tetra”, produced by Abbott Company in the Netherlands.
The price of a dose is 190 pounds, in addition to 10 pounds for the vaccination service.
“Mohammadi” explained in his statements, that the quadrivalent vaccine includes 4 strains that are the most widespread and most effective according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization for each season, which are “H1N1, H3N2”, type A, and two strains of type B, that is, the same three strains that were present in The previous triple vaccine, as well as a fourth strain of type B.
He pointed out that either of the two vaccines is given starting from the age of 6 months, and the child is in the age group from 6 months to 9 years. It only needs one dose.
Mohammadi explained that the dose for all ages is the same, which is half a ml injected into the anterior thigh muscle or into the shoulder muscle, according to age.
As for those aged 9 years and over, they need only one dose, and there is no division of the influenza dose, regardless of age.
There are 6 first groups to get vaccinated, including:
Children during the first 5 years of life.
– Elderly people over 65 years old
Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, chest diseases, liver and kidneys.
Those with weak immunity as a result of some diseases or medications that suppress the immune system and those who have undergone spleen removal or organ transplants such as cochlear implants.
Pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters and up to two weeks after childbirth
Health workers.
As for the categories from which vaccination is prohibited, they include:
– Children under 6 months
People who are allergic to eggs, or to the pollen or any of its ingredients