Kuwait launches winter vaccination drive at 57 locations

• The vaccines are available across preventive health departments in hospitals and many primary health care centers throughout Kuwait, ensuring easy access and coverage for all segments of society.

• Winter diseases like colds, flu, and bacterial pneumonia increase in cold weather, making vaccinations crucial to prevent and protect vulnerable groups.

The Ministry of Health has launched this year’s winter vaccinations campaign, inaugurated by Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi and attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr. Al-Mundher Al-Hasawi. The event took place at the Sayed Abdul Razzaq Al-Zalalah Health Centre, according to Al Qabas newspaper.

On this occasion, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, who received the first doses of vaccination at the center, emphasized that the campaign aims to protect public health and provide necessary protection against infectious diseases prevalent in winter.

This year’s campaign includes crucial vaccinations such as the seasonal influenza vaccine and the vaccine against bacterial pneumonia. These vaccines are available at 57 sites across preventive health departments in hospitals and many primary health care centers throughout the country, ensuring easy access and coverage for all segments of society.

Dr. Al-Mundher Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs, emphasized that the influenza vaccine is a crucial and effective tool for preventing influenza and reducing the risk of severe complications, which could be fatal. The vaccine’s effectiveness can vary each year depending on the prevalent viral strains and their match with the vaccine, as well as the health status, age, and time since vaccination of the individual.

Dr. Al-Hasawi explained that winter diseases, including colds, seasonal influenza, and bacterial pneumonia, see a rise in cases during the cold season. Many countries experience a marked rise in these illnesses in winter. Therefore, preventive measures like vaccinations are crucial to reducing the spread of these diseases and protecting the most vulnerable groups.

Dr. Al-Hasawi noted that those at highest risk include the elderly (65 and older), children as young as five, people with chronic conditions like heart and lung diseases or diabetes, immune-compromised individuals, those on immunosuppressive medications, pregnant women, and healthcare workers who are in direct contact with patients.

Dr. Al-Hasawi also emphasized that prevention is better than treatment and that vaccinations help reduce infection rates. He highlighted the ministry’s ongoing commitment to providing the best health services to the Kuwaiti community, wished everyone a healthy and safe winter season, and encouraged everyone to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated on time to ensure comprehensive protection against infectious diseases this season.