The Department of Infection
Prevention and Control at
King Abdulaziz Medical City -
Jeddah launched the Flu Vaccination Campaign which will last from October 2014 until March 2015 in the
presence of Dr. Mansour Ahmed Al Jundi, Executive Director of Medical Services, Western Region.
The campaign "Protect yourself, your family and the community .. Get the flu
shot", aims to educate those who are at risk of seasonal influenza complications, such as
children aged 6 months to five years, adults over the age of 65, anyone with chronic diseases, weak immune system,
people with obesity and all NGHA personnel. In addition, the campaign activities included an integrated
program to spread awareness about the Seasonal Flu and the importance of the Flu Shot.
Infectious Diseases Consultant and Associate Executive Director, Department of Infection Prevention and Control Dr.
AbdulHakim Al Thaqafi, pointed out that the Flu vaccine is safe and effective in minimizing the influenza side
effects. Moreover, he added that the side effects of flu shots are mild and affect some people for a short period of
time such as fever along with redness and swelling at the injection site. Furthermore, in regards to when to take
the flu shot, Dr. AbdulHakim recommends that everyone get the shot yearly, preferably before the winter season.
It is worth mentioning that according to the directives of the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination should be taken every year to keep up with
rapidly evolving flu viruses.
Lastly, many certificates and gifts were distributed to honor the participants in the campaign activities as well
as those who nominated themselves to get vaccinated against the Seasonal Flu for three years in a row.