The new COVID-19 vaccination campaign will begin on 23 September at GPs and pharmacies in Flanders.
In Lendelede, the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered on Thursday to individuals aged 65 and over, as well as younger people with health issues. Later this autumn, the flu vaccination campaign will also begin.
The High Health Council recommends vaccinations primarily for people aged 65 and older, residents of care homes, other long-term care facilities, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung diseases or diabetes. Vaccinations are also advised for all healthcare workers to protect themselves and their patients.
“Recent research has shown that the chance of hospitalisation after a coronavirus infection is 40% to 50% lower if someone is vaccinated,” says Joris Moonens from the Department of Health.
COVID-19 vaccines are offered free-of-charge through GPs, pharmacies, and home nurses. “Thanks to these frontline healthcare providers, vaccinations are easily accessible to the target groups. They can also provide information and answer questions about the vaccination. We have just over 2 million COVID-19 vaccines in-stock in Flanders,” says Flemish Health Minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V).
“Currently, COVID-19 is circulating again and we expect it to increase in the coming weeks. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate now to build immunity,” says Moonens.
Flu vaccinations will follow later this autumn. “We typically see flu later in the year, so vaccinations will start in the second half of October. This ensures the vaccine is effective when flu season arrives,” says Moonens.
