Not all might get free flu vaccine in Latvia

Take note – story published 1 year and 10 months ago

During the flu epidemic, doctors are urging the public to vaccinate against the flu. In the autumn, demand for state-paid vaccines has exceeded supply this season, and free vaccines could not be enough for all, Latvian Television reported on January 4.

Doctors' forecasts that this season's flu virus will be particularly active have come true. The flu epidemic has been raging in Latvia for nearly a month, and the number of flu-stricken people is only increasing. Last week alone, 557 cases have been clinically confirmed. It is known that the only way to safely protect oneself is vaccination, and particularly risk groups were invited not to hesitate.

"It's not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. In Latvia, the influenza epidemic usually drags for up to 12 weeks. The first is usually influenza A, seasonal, and then, mostly in the spring, B. This means that people who are going to get ill with influenza A can also get sick in spring with influenza B," said general practitioner Andis Baumanis.

There was a lot of interest in vaccination at the end of the autumn.

“There were very few vaccines at one point. I was just at the pharmacy, there are seven vaccines currently in the pharmacy. If the patient wants it, even now, I could vaccinate seven people,” the doctor said.

The Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) also urges vaccination, particularly for those entitled to it free of charge. These include children, seniors, people with chronic diseases and other risk groups.

If the family doctor does not vaccinate or does not have vaccines, a special list has been established with the medical treatment authorities in which the vaccine can be obtained free of charge.

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