Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, announced that the seasonal winter vaccination campaign is ongoing throughout the winter months. This campaign includes the influenza vaccine, which protects against four main strains of the virus. Over the past few years, more than one million doses have been administered in Kuwait.

In a press statement released on Tuesday to mark the ninth year of this seasonal campaign, Al-Sanad highlighted that the program also covers pneumococcal vaccinations. Since 2007, over one and a half million doses of this vaccine have been given in Kuwait. He explained that seasonal microbes, which can include both bacteria and viruses, vary in type and concentration with the changing seasons.

These microbes are more active and prevalent during certain times of the year, making prevention and control crucial. For instance, influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and colds are more common in winter, while food poisoning from Salmonella increases in the summer. The influenza virus affects about one billion people globally each year, with young children and the elderly being particularly vulnerable to complications. The virus is responsible for around half a million deaths annually worldwide.

Al-Sanad also emphasized the dangers posed by pneumococcal bacteria, which can lead to several serious illnesses such as pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, sepsis, and otitis media. In Kuwait alone, pneumococcal infections cause about 40 deaths each year. Seasonal microbes are active from mid-September to May, peaking from October to March.

He noted that the Ministry of Health prioritizes disease prevention and underscores that not everyone faces the same level of risk. Certain groups, including children, the elderly, healthcare workers, individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, require special attention for prevention and care.

The Ministry’s goal is to protect all segments of society and ensure the health and safety of both citizens and residents. Vaccinations are available at preventive health departments in hospitals, as well as in numerous specialized and primary health care centers across the country.