90% protection rate for the influenza vaccine… and 6 groups more susceptible to infection

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection has identified six categories that are considered most vulnerable to seasonal influenza infection and its complications, stressing the importance of them obtaining the annual influenza vaccine, because of its effective role in preventing the disease and reducing the severity of symptoms, stressing that influenza vaccines provide an approximate protection ranging between 70 and 90% against clinical infection with the disease in healthy adults, noting that vaccination contributes to reducing Of hospital admission rates and deaths resulting from virus complications.

She explained that the groups that are strongly recommended to take the vaccine include “the elderly, children from six months to five years of age, pilgrims, pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy, and individuals who suffer from chronic diseases such as heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood, or nervous system diseases, in addition to health care providers.”

In its recently issued seasonal influenza awareness guide 2025-2026, the Ministry recommended that all individuals obtain the vaccine before the start of the virus spreading season during the winter, specifying seven main measures to prevent seasonal influenza, which include “vaccination, good respiratory hygiene by following coughing and sneezing etiquette, and not going out with people with a fever or those who show symptoms.” Others for influenza, avoiding direct contact with infected patients, washing hands regularly and sterilizing them, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and cleaning and sterilizing frequently used surfaces and tools.

The guide explained that seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses spread in specific seasons around the world, and belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, and is classified into three main types: A, B, and C, and its symptoms usually appear suddenly, and include: fever, headache, general malaise, cough, and muscle pain. And joints, sore throat, and runny nose, and children may suffer from vomiting or diarrhea, pointing out that most cases recover within a week without complications, but some may develop into severe cases that require hospitalization, and may lead to serious complications, especially among certain high-risk groups.

The Ministry stated that the incubation period for the disease extends from one to four days, and that the infection is transmitted either directly through droplets resulting from coughing, sneezing, or talking with an infected person, or indirectly through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.

She pointed out that the influenza vaccine is given annually in the form of an injection containing an inactivated (non-live) virus, and its effectiveness begins two weeks after vaccination, stressing that it reduces the risk of hospitalization associated with influenza, protects pregnant women from contracting the disease during and after pregnancy, and helps protect infants in the first few months of their lives. It also protects your family and community from contracting the disease, especially if They were in the high-risk categories.

She pointed out that influenza vaccines have a reliable safety record, and have been used on millions of people for more than 60 years, and that their side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness or pain at the injection site, a slight headache, or a slight increase in temperature.

She indicated that World Health Organization data showed that seasonal influenza is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world, infecting five to 10% of adults and 20 to 30% of children annually. The viruses that cause influenza lead to about three to five million cases of severe illness annually, and 290 to 650 thousand deaths resulting from respiratory complications around the world. Studies have also shown that The influenza vaccine contributes to reducing the severity of the disease and reducing the number of hospital admissions by between 25 and 39% among the elderly. It also reduces overall mortality rates by up to 75%.

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection called on all members of society to take the initiative to obtain the annual vaccine, especially the groups most vulnerable to complications, stressing that vaccines are available in all government and private health centers in the country, and that vaccination represents an essential step to protect the individual and society from seasonal influenza and its dangerous complications.