Last week, the first deliveries of the flu vaccine arrived at family medicine centers and pharmacies. The free flu vaccine is available to people on general and special care services, everyone over 60, pregnant women, children up to 7 years old and those in the flu risk group up to 19 years old.
According to Juta Varjas, chief specialist of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Health Board, vaccination is the best way to protect yourself. "Influenza must be treated seriously, it is a difficult disease that can end in death if complications arise," emphasized Varjas and added that every year 500-2000 people need hospital treatment due to complications from the flu. The purpose of free vaccination for risk groups is to prevent severe cases of influenza.
According to Varjas, children, the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases are at the greatest risk of developing complications from the flu. "That's why the target group for flu vaccination was expanded from the autumn, based on the recommendation of the immunoprophylaxis expert committee, people over 60 years old, pregnant women, children up to 7 years old and minors who are at risk of flu can get a free vaccine," she explained.
According to Rapla Town in central Estonia(pop. 5,000). family doctor Argo Lätt, vaccination against the flu is important because the flu is a very serious illness. "The flu is characterized by high fever, severe weakness, weakness, muscle and joint pains and a dry and stuffy cough," said the doctor. The family doctor reminds that you can be vaccinated against the flu throughout the season, but the most reliable protection is given by vaccination before the peak period of illness, which is the second half of winter. Therefore, it is reasonable to get the flu vaccine in October or November. Immunity develops within two weeks after vaccination.
The Estonian Health Insurance Fund pays for flu vaccination, which has procured 131,000 doses of vaccine this year. According to Külli Friedemann, head of primary services at the Health Insurance Fund, the vaccines will cost the Health Insurance Fund 911,000 euros.
Free flu vaccination is carried out by a family doctor or a family nurse. Also, people belonging to the risk group can get vaccinated for free in several pharmacies across Estonia.