National Centre for Disease Control: 130,000 people immunised against seasonal flu

The Georgian National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health on Wednesday announced 130,000 had been immunised within the seasonal anti-flu vaccination programme to date.

The NCDC said vaccination was being conducted using a four-component vaccine manufactured by Abbott Biologicals B.V., a global healthcare company based in the Netherlands, adding the medical product was recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Eka Adamia, the NCDC Deputy Director, noted influenza viruses were circulating both globally and in Georgia, with influenza A and B, as well as other viruses such as rhinovirus and adenovirus, being prevalent in the country during this season.

To prevent the virus, it is especially important to wash your hands, use disinfectants, wear face masks in crowded places, ventilate rooms frequently, and, among others, the most important measure is vaccination, is as it is one of the safest and most effective safeguard against the flu”, Adamia pointed out.

The statement further stressed annual vaccination was “particularly important” for at-risk groups - elderly individuals, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic illnesses.