2023-08-22 17:01:55
New COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign to Begin in September 2023
Essen, September 1, 2023 – The municipality of Essen has announced that a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign will commence from mid-September 2023. The campaign aims to provide protection against the virus for individuals who are vulnerable to severe illness and those working in the healthcare sector.
It is strongly recommended for people who fall under the high-risk category for contracting COVID-19, such as individuals above 65 years of age, those residing in care facilities, and individuals with underlying health conditions like heart or lung diseases. The complete list of underlying health problems can be found on the official website Laatjevaccineren.be. Pregnant women, persons with weakened immune systems, and healthcare workers both within and outside of healthcare institutions are also advised to get vaccinated. In addition, the flu vaccination is also recommended for these vulnerable individuals.
Residents who wish to get vaccinated can make an appointment with their doctor or pharmacist. The vaccine doses will be provided free of charge, as in previous years. It is important to note that there will be no vaccination centers available, and the government will not send invitations to home addresses. Employers may offer flu vaccination through their occupational health service. However, COVID-19 vaccination will only be administered in healthcare facilities and not in other workplaces.
The COVID-19 vaccination will be available from mid-September, while the flu vaccination will start from mid-October. Individuals are advised to consult their doctor or pharmacist regarding the best time to get vaccinated and whether the vaccines can be administered simultaneously. Building up protection before the increase of COVID-19 and flu infections during the fall and winter months is crucial.
The vaccines currently available for COVID-19 and flu have proven to provide substantial protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Furthermore, a Pfizer vaccine tailored to the current virus variant is in the pipeline and will be administered as soon as it becomes available.
Alongside vaccination, it is important to follow certain precautions to minimize the risk of respiratory diseases. Regularly washing hands with soap and water, well-ventilating shared spaces, using tissue paper while coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick are recommended practices. It is also advised to wear a mask when using public transport or visiting crowded places.
To gather more information on vaccination, individuals can visit the official website www.laatjevaccineren.be.
The municipality of Essen urges residents to take advantage of this vaccination campaign to protect themselves and their loved ones from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Together, by following vaccination recommendations and adopting preventive measures, the community can strive towards a healthier and safer future.
Source: municipality of Essen
Photo: Pixabay]
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