The influenza vaccine for 2020-2021 is to reach the Republic of Moldova in the course of October 1. A quantity of 100,000 tetravalent flu shots is to be delivered to Moldova through the agency of the Global Vaccine Alliance. As the previous years, immunization will start in November, as the WHO recommends for the Central and Eastern European countries.

“For the 2020-2021 flu season, we plan to immunize against flu the groups with an increased risk of infection, such as persons with chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus, respiratory and cardiovascular system diseases, pregnant women, children older than three. The healthcare workers, customs officers, police officers are also vaccinated,” Ștefan Gheorghiță, head of the Flu and Acute Respiratory Infections Epidemiological Surveillance Section of the National Public Health Agency, stated for IPN.

If the person does not form part of a risk group, bunt wants to be immunized against flu, this can go to the family doctor and will be vaccinated if there are available shots. The vaccination against flu is free of charge, except at private immunization offices.

Ștefan Gheorghiță said the person before being vaccinated is examined clinically and has the body temperature measured. Their state of health after vaccination is monitored. “During the last few years, we didn’t have complications or side effects following immunization against influenza,” he stated.

Starting with the 41st week, samples will be collected from persons with symptoms of seasonal flu and acute respiratory infections. The following flu viruses circulated in Moldova the previous season: A (H1N1) – 38%, A (H3N2) – 21% and flu virus of type B – 28%.

Ștefan Gheorghiță noted that a part of the vaccines are bought with state budget funds, another part with funds of the National Health Insurance Company, while another part represents a donation.