The Ministry of Health is planning to procure additional quantities of pneumococcal vaccines, also known as “nemococcal” vaccines, for distribution to preventive health departments within health centers and public hospitals. This initiative is projected to incur a cost of 2.5 million dinars.
Reliable health sources told Al-Qabas daily that the Ministry of Health’s intention to import these vaccines, even though there is an existing stock, aims to establish a secure strategic reserve of vaccines, medications, supplies, and all essential medical equipment.
This measure is aimed at safeguarding the continuous provision of health services across centers and hospitals, ensuring there are no disruptions due to shortages.
According to the sources, pneumococcal vaccines are typically administered to children at two months, four months, six months, and one and a half years old as part of routine childhood vaccinations.
These vaccines are also administered to individuals aged 19 to 64 years who haven’t received them before, especially if they have underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, compromised immune systems, heart or lung issues, liver problems.
The sources emphasized the significance of individuals with chronic illnesses taking advantage of winter vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine and the “nemococcal” pneumonia vaccine, to mitigate the prevalence of winter-related illnesses.