The Influenza flu vaccines for expatriates will be given in the third phase of vaccinating drive at the respective preventive centers in the health areas in each area.

According to sources, the Ministry of Health received 55,000 doses of flu vaccine yesterday. The current phase is the first in these vaccinations, which is limited to citizen, and the second phase will target medical staff, nursing community, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases.

Authority is planning in third phase to vaccinate expats after the arrival of more doses of vaccines by pre-booking appointments.

The ministry is working to vaccinate as much as possible to avoid infection with influenza and the virus. Also to reduce the symptoms caused by infection with “Corona” among those who receive winter vaccinations.

Sources said that it is necessary to vaccinate against seasonal influenza mainly to reduce the burden on the health sector as the symptoms are very similar to the infection from corona virus (Covid-19), with a slight difference that may be the loss of the sense of smell.

The seasonal influenza vaccines and pneumonia are not yet available in the majority of private hospitals and medical centers.