A new COVID-19 vaccination campaign will start from mid-September 2023. The vaccine is strongly recommended for people who are vulnerable to becoming seriously ill from COVID and for those who work in healthcare. Other people are free to get vaccinated. To be vaccinated, make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist. The COVID vaccine remains free for everyone. As in previous years, flu vaccination is also recommended for those who are vulnerable.
Recommended for whom?
With COVID vaccination we want to prevent people from becoming seriously ill. It is therefore recommended that those most at risk of becoming ill:
everyone aged 65 and over; persons who stay in a long-term care facility, such as residential care centres; persons with certain underlying health problems such as lung or heart conditions (the overview can be found on Laatjevaccineren.be); all persons with weakened resistance; pregnant women; and all persons working in the healthcare sector in and outside healthcare institutions.
Flu vaccination is also recommended for these people. Vaccination is not specifically recommended for other people, but you are free to be vaccinated.
When to vaccinate?
You can get the COVID vaccination from mid-September. Flu vaccination from mid-October. The vaccines can be given at the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about when it is best to be vaccinated and whether the vaccines can be given together. It is important to build up your protection before the number of COVID and flu infections starts to rise in the autumn and winter months.
Where to vaccinate?
To be vaccinated, make an appointment with your doctor or pharmacist. They schedule times when they vaccinate against COVID-19 and flu. There will be no vaccination centers. The government will also no longer send an invitation to your home address. At your work, the occupational health service may offer flu vaccination. COVID vaccination will only be offered in healthcare facilities, not in other businesses.
Which vaccine?
The available vaccines against COVID and flu provide very good protection against the risk of becoming seriously ill or having to be admitted to hospital. A vaccine from Pfizer that is adapted to the current virus variant is on the way for COVID-19. That will be used as soon as it becomes available.
Other precautions
In addition to vaccination, there are a few good habits to prevent you or other people from becoming infected with respiratory diseases:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Ventilate places where you are together with many people. Coughing and sneezing? Use a paper towel and throw it away. No handkerchief? Sneeze into your elbow. Sick? Then stay home. Wear a face mask when you use public transport or in busy places.
2023-09-26 12:00:57
#Leave #flu #cold #winter
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