In order to combat serious forms of Covid, Wallonia is once again organising an autumn vaccination campaign, primarily aimed at the most vulnerable people, the Agency for a Quality of Life announced on Wednesday.
“Everything is in place: health professionals are informed and vaccines have been available in pharmacies for a few days now”underlines the AVIQ which wished to wait for the official opinion of the Superior Health Council before communicating. “This opinion includes recommendations similar to those of last year: priority to vulnerable groups and, for others, on a case-by-case basis with the advice of the treating physician,” specifies the regional agency.
As last year, no invitation will be sent. This is therefore a proactive vaccination particularly recommended for people over 65, those living in a care facility or a nursing home, those with a BMI equal to or greater than 40, immunocompromised people – and their entourage – or with comorbidities as well as people active in the care sector in the broad sense.
Particular attention should also be paid to people between 50 and 65 years of age who have excessive alcohol consumption, a history of smoking or who are inactive. As for pregnant women, their vaccination will be done in consultation with the doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy.
Vaccination can be carried out by a general practitioner, a nurse or in a participating pharmacy.
Finally, the Covid and flu vaccinations can be done simultaneously or at different times. In the latter case, it is preferable to receive the Covid vaccine first. Ideally, the flu vaccine should be administered between October 15 and December 15, AVIQ also indicates.
“This autumn vaccination campaign is also the right time to check your vaccination status with your GP and to discuss with them the possibility of protecting yourself against other respiratory diseases, in particular pneumococcus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and whooping cough. These diseases can have serious consequences for the health of the most vulnerable, infants and young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems,” concludes the agency.
All information is available on the website www.jemevaccine.be
What about other respiratory diseases?
This autumn vaccination campaign is also a good time to check your vaccination status with your GP and to discuss with them the opportunity to protect yourself against other respiratory diseases, in particular pneumococcus, RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus) and whooping cough. These diseases can have serious consequences for the health of the most vulnerable, infants and young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
More info: www.vaccination-info.be
