FLU AND COVID-19 VACCINATION 2024/25

Dear patient,

We hope you are well.

As autumn gets underway, we would like to remind you of the importance of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and, from mid-October, against seasonal flu. Autumn and winter are two seasons during which we see a rise in cases of Covid-19 and flu.

In most cases, these two conditions are mild, but for those at risk, complications arising from these respiratory conditions can pose a real danger.

Annual vaccination therefore remains the best way to prevent complications and reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death from these diseases.

The risk is mainly linked to age. Certain risk factors also increase the risk, regardless of age.

We are writing to you because this vaccine is recommended for:

• People aged Aged 65 and over, even when in good health
• People with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m²
• People with a chronic condition, regardless of their age
• People living in in a care home
• People working in the health sector
• People living under one roof only people at risk or children under 6 months of age.

Notes:

1. For the people aged between 50 and 65 In the presence of certain risk factors (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption), vaccination(s) will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

2. For the pregnant women, the flu jab is recommended. There is no longer a general recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, some people may benefit from having the vaccine depending on their individual circumstances.

WHEN?

From mid-September for Covid-19

From mid-October for the flu (protection within 10 to 15 days of the injection)

For practical reasons, it is advisable to have these two vaccinations on the same day, each in a different arm, from mid-October onwards.

WHICH VACCINES?

For both Covid-19 and the flu, the available vaccines are tailored to the latest variants and strains currently in circulation. These vaccines are safe and effective and can be administered at the same time without any risk.

The Covid-19 vaccine is free and available from pharmacies.

The flu vaccine is partially covered by the health insurance scheme for the groups mentioned above, as well as for the 50–64 years old. You can go straight to a chemist’s with your ID card and the vaccine will be given to you.

WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED?

• Flu only : at the health centre (nursing clinic) by appointment

• For patients with reduced mobility, we can arrange a home visit by the nurse or your doctor

• Flu and Covid-19: straight to pharmacy, see: https://pharmacy.brussels/fr/vacci-pharma/

If you would like more information about vaccination or if you are unsure whether to get vaccinated, please speak to one of the healthcare professionals at the health centre.