The first lot of flu shots is being distributed today to local public health centers from where they will be taken to public health facilities for vaccinating professional contingents and the groups with an increased risk of infection, according to the existing immunization plans, IPN reports.

The consignment consists of 50,000 doses of GCFLU tetravalent influenza vaccine (10 doses in a vial), donated by the Task Force for Global Health, and 49,850 vaccine doses (0.5ml dose in prefilled syringe), bought with funds of the National Health Insurance Company, the National Public Health Agency has said.

The Agency noted vaccination is the safest and most efficient method of preventing infection with influenza. Immunization reduces the risk of appearance of severe forms of disease and the number of cases of infection. Consequently, fewer visits are made to the doctor and fewer days of work and study are lost. Complications, hospitalization and deaths due to flue are prevented.