Great interest in flu vaccination in the Federation of BiH

(Patria) - Influenza surveillance in the Federation of BiH, as every season, began in October and will last until May 2025. From October this year to date, 7,277 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) have been reported, and two cases of influenza have been laboratory-confirmed in the Federation of BiH.

The peak of influenza activity is expected in January and February. During the last flu season 2023/24, a total of 28,677 patients with flu-like symptoms were reported.

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious illness, is safe and free for risk groups. Risk groups include people over 65 years of age, residents and employees of nursing homes, chronically ill patients regardless of age, and pregnant women.

- There is great interest in flu vaccination in FBiH, not only from risk groups but also from others. The Public Health Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has secured 7,000 doses of quadrivalent inactivated vaccine against seasonal flu this year and distributed them to cantons in the Federation of BiH. Cantonal institutes also secure a certain amount of vaccines for the population each year. So far, about 25,500 people have been vaccinated in FBiH - stated the Public Health Institute of FBiH.

- Flu vaccination provides multiple benefits. In addition to protecting you from potentially severe illness, vaccination also helps protect those who are most vulnerable. Flu spreads through droplets, and vaccination drastically reduces the risk of virus transmission. In case of infection, the vaccine can alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia or hospitalization. Seasonal flu vaccination is a responsible act for every citizen, especially for healthcare professionals - says Prof. Dr. Sc. Jurica Arapović, Assistant Minister for Health in the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH.

- I have been regularly vaccinated for years, each time with the hope that it will help me get through another winter without the flu. So far, I have not been disappointed. The winters behind me have passed without the flu, and I am convinced that the seasonal flu vaccine also contributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I did not have severe COVID symptoms. I believe that vaccines help us in life, so I am already signing up for next year - says Vanja Iličić, journalist and editor of BH Radio 1.

Interested individuals can get vaccinated against the flu at their local health center or at the outpatient clinics of the Public Health Institute of FBiH in Mostar and Sarajevo.

Public Health Institute of the Federation of BiH, Organizational Unit in Mostar, Vukovarska 46 (Health Status Surveillance Outpatient Clinic, 036/382-106) and Public Health Institute of the Federation of BiH, Organizational Unit in Sarajevo, Titova 9 (Health Status Surveillance Outpatient Clinic, 033/564-639).

The Health Status Surveillance Outpatient Clinic of the Public Health Institute of FBiH operates in Mostar and Sarajevo. Both outpatient clinics have been conducting sanitary examinations for healthcare workers and those whose jobs involve food production and distribution (restaurants, shops, food factories) for years, examining individuals exposed to ionizing radiation, and vaccinating the population against seasonal flu, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other vaccines.