Doha, October 12 (QNA) - As winter approaches, preventive measures to curb the spread of infectious diseases become increasingly important, particularly recommended vaccinations, which are a cornerstone of public health protection.

Vaccination is important not only during childhood but throughout life, encompassing children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, older adults and people at greater risk of complications.

In line with this approach, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) provides comprehensive vaccination services, including routine and seasonal immunizations, as well as vaccinations for travelers and pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, in accordance with the national immunization program.

Executive Director of Preventive Health at PHCC, Dr. Hamad Al Mudhahka, underscored the importance of raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination and its role in protecting individual and community health. He said the corporation's preventive health department is committed to promoting vaccine awareness through campaigns and educational events targeting different age groups.

Director of Health Protection at PHCC, Dr. Khalid Al Awad, highlighted the importance of providing vaccination services and improving public understanding of vaccines. The corporation's published materials indicate that its services include routine and seasonal immunizations, as well as vaccinations for travelers and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Dr. Al Awad said the corporation's immunization services and programs cover a broad range of vaccines, including those against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio; hepatitis B; seasonal influenza; human papillomavirus (HPV); pneumococcal disease; COVID-19; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); and meningococcal disease.

For children, the vaccination schedule includes vaccines against several important diseases, Al Awad said. These include tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, polio, rotavirus infection, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox, measles, rubella and mumps, along with other vaccines included in the national program.

He emphasized that missing a scheduled dose should not lead parents to abandon their child's vaccination course. Catch-up schedules have been established based on the child's age and previous vaccinations, allowing immunization to be completed according to an appropriate schedule.

Seasonal influenza vaccination is among the most important preventive measures during the respiratory virus season. According to PHCC's public awareness materials, annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular attention to groups at greater risk of complications. These include young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and health care workers.

Because influenza virus strains change from season to season, annual vaccination is an important means of prevention. It can also reduce the severity of illness, the risk of complications and the need for hospitalization.

Access to the vaccine has also been made more convenient for the public. PHCC campaign materials state that the seasonal flu vaccine is available free of charge at the corporation's health centers across Qatar.

Meanwhile, the activities of PHCC's immunization prevention section reflect an approach that serves infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, older adults, eligible groups and people at high risk. This reinforces the principle of prevention throughout life, encouraging individuals to review their vaccination needs at different stages of life rather than viewing immunization as a service that ends with the completion of childhood vaccinations.

As flu season approaches, getting the annual vaccine becomes increasingly important. Vaccination protects not only individuals but also forms an important part of broader efforts to curb the spread of disease and safeguard community health.

The central message is that vaccination is a health responsibility at every age. Children need to complete their vaccination schedules, adults should review which vaccines are appropriate for their age and health status, and older adults and people with chronic illnesses require particular attention to prevent diseases that may cause more serious complications. (QNA)