Seasonal flu vaccination to begin across Georgia on 21 October

Seasonal influenza vaccination will begin across Georgia on 21 October, with 200,000 doses of a French-made vaccine purchased by the state, the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) said.

NCDC Director General Irakli Purtseladze said the country had procured 200,000 doses of Vaxigrip, a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Winthrop Industrie. The vaccine is among those prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Vaccination will be free for all citizens and fully funded by the state.

Purtseladze noted information on medical facilities and outpatient clinics providing vaccination services will be published today. Citizens can contact their local polyclinic or a nearby medical facility participating in the state immunisation programme. The service will be available throughout the country, including the regions.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Groups at particularly high risk of severe illness and complications include people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, children aged six months to five years, people with chronic illnesses, cancer patients, healthcare workers, and residents and staff of nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Those wishing to be vaccinated must bring an identity document so medical facilities can verify their details and register the vaccination in the electronic system. No other documents or advance appointments are required.