28-10-2020 09:08
WORMERVEER – In the middle of the COVID-19 annex corona pandemic, the annual flu season also starts. For that reason, approximately 6 million Dutch people receive an invitation for the flu shot in October and November. De Lorzie neighborhood center is one of the locations where this can be done. It is busy there, despite the fact that State Secretary Blokhuis writes in a letter to the Lower House that healthy people in their sixties should not accept the call for the flu shot this year. The reason is the national flu shot shortage.
The De Lorzie community center on the Market Square is closed to the so-called loose public. That means there is no free entry. The public that comes in does that all by appointment or reservation. ‘The point is that no more 30 people are allowed to be in a room at one time, taking into account other requirements such as 1.5 meters, etc.’ This is how Esmeralda Egberts explains. ‘In the case of the Lorzie, it means that we can have a maximum of 15 people in the Main Hall at the same time in the Main Hall. The flu shot is a continuous activity that does not overlap with any other activities. ‘
The clients enter through the front door and leave the building through the emergency exit after the injection. None of the ‘pricked’ knows of the advice of the State Secretary. ‘That escaped me. I’ve been getting that shot for years. I’m not going to change that. ‘
The flu shot concerns people who have an extra risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu because of their age (60+) or medical condition. The flu is caused by the influenza virus.
During the vaccination consultation, the employees of General Practice Wormerveer naturally take the corona measures into account. People who have received an invitation can therefore safely get the flu shot. A flu shot is not mandatory. Someone chooses whether or not to make use of the offer.
Because there is much more enthusiasm for the flu shot this year than in previous years, there is a risk of a national shortage. Some GP practices are already out of stock. Blokhuis wants to prevent people with vulnerable health and people over 60 from missing out on the vaccine. He asks general practices where a shortage is imminent to give priority to people over 70 and to people who are more likely to become very ill from the flu. General practitioners have been or will still be informed about this decision.
Also see for more questions and answers
https://www.rivm.nl/veelgestelde-vragen-griepprik-pneumokokkenprik-en-coronavirus-covid-19
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