The seasonal flu vaccination campaign starts in Morocco after a delay

The Ministry of Health announced, Monday, the start of the national seasonal flu vaccination campaign, which will be carried out this year despite the current epidemiological situation.

In a press release, the ministry explained that the campaign will target people at high risk of developing influenza-related complications : Pregnant women, people suffering from chronic diseases, adults 65 years of age and older and children younger than 2 years old.

The same press release indicates that this vaccination is «strongly recommended for health professionals», adding that it allows, in addition to protecting their families and professional entourage, to prevent the spread of the disease among patients admitted to healthcare facilities.

«For this year, the influenza vaccine available is quadrivalent (four components)», that is «adapted annually, following the recommendation of the World Health Organization», the statement read.

The Ministry recalls that during these unprecedented times, it is important to set up «a high influenza vaccination coverage for people at high risk» of contracting it.

The same source insists on rigorous compliance with barrier, hygiene and physical distancing measures which «allow both COVID-19 and influenza to be prevented».

Prescribing influenza vaccines

The Ministry's press release was preceded by a different document, signed by Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb and addressed Sunday to the health regional directors, the president of the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists and that of the National Order of Physicians. The document reveals that this year, and given the current context, «influenza will be given only upon medical prescriptions».

The announcement of the launch of this campaign comes as elected officials have already criticized its delay. The Istiqlal party questioned «the delay in supplying the national market with seasonal influenza vaccines», recalling the purchase made by the ministry of «only 300,000 doses, instead of 600,000».

The party’s parliamentary group at the House of Representatives asked the minister about «the serious repercussions on the health of old people and those with chronic diseases». They also recalled the start of seasonal flu vaccination in a number of neighboring countries, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization.

At the end of September, Khalid Ait Taleb announced that the influenza campaign will begin in mid-October and will see «mass vaccinations for vulnerable people and professionals».