Influenza Drive becomes an annual tradition in Belize

It has become an annual tradition for the PAHO/WHO Country Office in Belize. At this year’s 2021 Influenza Vaccination Drive, over 80 persons got their shot to protect themselves and their families against the flu.

With the focus being on COVID-19 vaccinations, it is just as important to not forget the flu shot. The COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a reality impacting the health system globally. Initiatives such as this influenza drive held by the Belize Country Office are effective in reducing the burden on the health system.

Sergio Guerra receiving flu vaccine at PAHO/WHO Belize Vaccination Drive

“My family and I take the flu shot every year,” said Sergio Guerra. “There is no question or doubt for me in doing my part to protect myself and my family against the flu. Especially right now with COVID, if I can reduce my risks of getting sick, will be better for my family and me.”

Done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the drive, held yearly since 2013, encourages persons to get their yearly dose of the influenza vaccine. While the flu shot does not guarantee you won’t get the flu, it does reduce the severity of the symptoms as well as lessens the risks of co-infection, especially with the coronavirus.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure the safety of persons, time slots were given and upon arrival temperature checks and proper hand sanitization were done.

“This is my first time ever getting the flu shot so I was a bit nervous, but I made the decision because I knew getting sick nowadays in the times of COVID can be dangerous to my health and my family,” said Karima Vasquez. “I felt more comfortable coming to a drive such as this being held by PAHO because it was in an open area and the PAHO personnel and nurses made me feel safe. They took my temperature. They had hand sanitizing stations and the process was quick and easy especially for a first-timer like me.”

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Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and other respiratory viruses