Beijing will launch a full-scale influenza vaccination program at the end of September to avoid dual infections involving COVID-19 and the flu, and avoid a strain on medical resources, as China is on alert for a potential wave of COVID-19 this autumn and winter.
The city has set up 446 free flu vaccination centers and 480 centers under a self-paying vaccine program in medical and health institutions, according to the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A full-scale flu vaccination program will reduce the risk of people contracting the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously, and it will relieve the strain on the healthcare system as the country braces to fight another potential epidemic wave, experts noted.
Primary and middle school students and people aged above 60 in the city will be given free flu vaccinations from October 10 to November 30. They will receive the vaccine in groups at schools and local vaccination centers.
Other residents must make appointments online or by phone, starting Friday.
Beijing will launch a full-scale influenza vaccination program at the end of September to avoid dual infections involving COVID-19 and the flu, and avoid a strain on medical resources, as China is on alert for a potential wave of COVID-19 this autumn and winter.
