Vaccination against seasonal flu throughout Georgia started on October 16, which will be free, including PrEP users and people involved in antiretroviral therapy.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV/AIDS prevention method that implies drug treatment. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment is a treatment for HIV-positive people, with the help of which the virus will be reduced to an indetectable level in human blood and biological fluids.
Besides, the following high-risk groups of citizens will be able to get vaccinated free of charge:
- People with diabetes;
- People undergoing dialysis;
- People with hepatitis C (only those on treatment);
- People with HIV infection/AIDS;
- People with organ transplants and cystic fibrosis;
- Also, elderly people aged 60 and older;
- Pregnant women;
- Teachers of general educational institutions;
- Beneficiaries of children’s, including small, family type homes, and nursing homes and their care staff;
- Medical personnel subject to mandatory vaccination and others.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs of Georgia, Georgia has purchased 200000 doses of the four-component vaccine manufactured by Abbott Biologicals BV, within the framework of the state immunization program.
The flu vaccine is completely safe, but the following side effects may occur — headache, fever, tiredness, and general weakness. Flu vaccination is not carried out if a person has an allergic reaction to its components, has an acute infectious disease or has a high body temperature.
People involved in PrEP and ARV treatment will be able to get vaccinated in several cities of Georgia:
Tbilisi: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center (19 Kazbegi Avenue, Building 8);
Batumi: 11 Jemal Katamadze Street;
Kutaisi: Medical City (40 Poti Street);
Zugdidi: Onaria.