Tsoi receives his seasonal influenza vaccination.
Flu Shot First in Line: Health Minister Tsoi Leads the Charge in Nur-Sultan
Kickstarting the vaccination drive, Health Minister Alexei Tsoi received his flu shot at City Polyclinic No.6 in Nur-Sultan on September 15, Almaty.tv reports.
This year, the vaccination campaign is commencing two weeks earlier than usual, reflecting concerns about the potential overlap of flu and COVID-19 cases. Minister Tsoi emphasized the necessity of vaccination amidst the ongoing pandemic, stating, "The vaccine purchased by Kazakhstan is safe. It has passed all necessary laboratory tests and quality control."
Over 2 million doses of the Russian-made "Grippol+" vaccine will be administered to over 10% of the population, targeting individuals most at risk. This year's vaccines contain antigens of three influenza strains A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) and B.
The City Polyclinic No.6 has received 7,200 doses of the "Grippol+" vaccine. Priority will be given to 3,500 children, 3,700 adults, including 468 pregnant women, 2,582 people on dispensary registration, 519 elderly individuals, and 350 medical workers.
Vaccinations are free for children, medical workers, pregnant women, individuals in closed institutions, adults and children with chronic diseases, and the elderly. Incorporating the "Grippol+" vaccine induces a high level of specific immunity against influenza.
As of now, no one has refused the flu shot. Meanwhile, Chief Sanitary Doctor Aigan Esmagambetova reassured the public, dismissing rumors about strict quarantine. "Official information does not exist," she emphasized.
Despite the stable epidemiological situation, the department is preparing for potential second wave of coronavirus with kits, medications, and individual protection means. The vaccine schedule and doses for Kazakhstan's 2021-2022 flu season may closely follow typical global practices:
- Target groups: High-risk individuals, healthcare workers, and children
- Doses: Children usually receive 1 or 2 doses, while adults receive a single annual dose
- Schedule: Vaccination campaigns begin before flu season (September–November in the Northern Hemisphere)
To obtain Kazakhstan-specific guidance, consult the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan or the WHO Country Office for Kazakhstan. It's crucial to follow local epidemiological monitoring and vaccination recommendations for optimal protection against seasonal flu this year.
By Mira Alzhanova, Nurlan Otegenov, Almaty TV channel, Nur-Sultan
Insights: The flu vaccine is recommended for high-risk individuals, children, healthcare workers, pregnant women, individuals in closed institutions, adults and children with chronic diseases, and the elderly. The flu shot schedule and dosages may follow general global practices, with the vaccine campaign beginning before flu season. It's essential to consult local health authorities for Kazakhstan-specific guidance. Avoid relying on unofficial information, particularly regarding strict quarantine measures.
- The flu shot is being administered to high-risk individuals, healthcare workers, children, pregnant women, individuals in closed institutions, adults and children with chronic diseases, and the elderly.
- In Nur-Sultan, over 7,200 doses of the Russian-made "Grippol+" vaccine have been distributed to specific groups, including 3,500 children, 3,700 adults, and 519 elderly individuals.
- Vaccinations are not only free but also induce a high level of specific immunity against influenza, offering optimal protection against seasonal flu.
- The Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the WHO Country Office for Kazakhstan can provide detailed guidance on the flu vaccine schedule and doses for the 2021-2022 season.
- It's essential to disregard baseless rumors about strict quarantine measures and rely on official information from trusted health authorities for accurate guidance.
