Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Jan Palfijn Hospital in Ghent launched a flu vaccination campaign led by Dr Louis Ide with support from Walter Grootaers, stressing protection as thousands in Belgium die from flu yearly.
As VRT News reported, the Jan Palfijn Hospital in Ghent has launched its yearly flu vaccination campaign. Hospital spokesperson Ide said the goal is to encourage more people to protect themselves before the winter season.
According to Ide, many people have become less motivated to get vaccinated since the coronavirus pandemic.
“There is a certain vaccination fatigue due to corona, but in Belgium, thousands of people are still dying from the flu.”
Louis Ide, physician at AZ Jan Palfijn.
What role is Walter Grootaers playing in Jan Palfijn Ghent’s Flu campaign?
According to Ide, many people have become less concerned about vaccines because they no longer see certain diseases around them.
“Some terrible diseases, like measles, have almost disappeared, but that’s only because of vaccinations,”
Ide explained.
“We don’t see these illnesses anymore, so people start to question why vaccines are still needed. But it’s important to stay alert and remind everyone that these diseases can still exist.”
The hospital warns that if people stop getting vaccinated, infections that were once controlled could return.
Flemish singer and TV presenter Walter Grootaers is also supporting the flu vaccination campaign. He said he believes everyone should get the flu shot, no matter their age.
“I think it’s important to get vaccinated against the flu,”
Grootaers said.
“Young or old, it doesn’t matter. That shot protects you, but more importantly, it protects others.”
“We started our vaccinations in October, but you can also get vaccinated in November and December and be protected against the flu,”
Ide concludes.
In recent years, there have been similar vaccination efforts in hospitals across Belgium. Medical institutions such as UZ Gent, AZ Sint-Lucas, and UZ Leuven have developed flu awareness campaigns to remind individuals to get vaccinated before the winter months.
Similar to the programs at the hospital, these campaigns have utilised posters, local publications, and social networks to reach their communities. In some communities, pharmacies and local health services have made flu vaccines more accessible in an effort to improve participation.
