President of Umm Al Qura University Dr Bakri bin Ma'tooq Assas launched a vaccination campaign against seasonal flu for this year 1439H at his office in the Abideya-based University HQ on Tuesday, 27 Muharram 1439H. The launching ceremony was attended by Director-General of UQU Medical Center Dr Yasser bin Hasan Bahkim, and supervisor of field vaccination campaigns Mr Hasan Maghrabi.

 Director-General of UQU Medical Center Dr Yasser Bahkim said the seasonal flu vaccination campaign comes within the framework of ongoing cooperation between UQU Medical Center and Health Affairs Directorate in Makkah. He said this campaign aims to vaccinate all UQU students and staff during the period from 25/1/1439H to 12/3/1439H. He noted that the seasonal flu vaccine is taken annually with a year-long effectiveness as some types of influenza viruses are changing. He highlighted that some people would not take the vaccine such as those who were vaccinated during the first campaign before Hajj season in 1438H, those with egg and flu allergy and children less than 6 months.

Dr. Bahkim said the campaign will be implemented by field health teams, who will be in fixed and mobile locations at the university to guarantee the vaccination of the targeted categories of UQU students and staff. The vaccine will be available at the UQU Medical Center during the official work hours and primary health care centers to guarantee the vaccination of the targeted categories of Makkah residents. He pointed out that the UQU Medical Center plays a positive role in the preventive sides by presenting the best awareness and educational messages to all UQU students and staff in particular, and the society in general through activating campaigns and events with a view to boosting health awareness about common diseases.

Dr. Bahkim expressed his thanks and appreciation to UQU President Dr. Bakri bin Ma'tooq Assas for sponsoring the campaign and for his support for the UQU Medical Center. He also thanked UQU Vice-President Dr Yasser Shusho for his continuous follow-up of activities and events of the UQU Medical Center, which helped in enhancing the quality of the center's therapeutic and preventive services to UQU students and staff and those who are eligible to be treated at the UQU Medical Center.

For his part, UQU President Dr. Bakri bin Ma'tooq Assas underlined the necessity of participating in awareness events and activities, which will lead to raise awareness of the university community. He hailed the role of the UQU Medical Center, which reflect on the quality of medical services given by the center to UQU affiliates.