Germany donates 78,000 doses of influenza seasonal vaccine to Jordan

AMMAN — The Federal Republic of Germany has donated 78,000 doses of quadrivalent influenza seasonal vaccine to the Ministry of Health through the World Health Organisation (WHO) country office in Jordan to vaccinate healthcare providers, elderly over 65 years, and patients with chronic conditions, according to a WHO statement.

Health Minister Feras Al Hawari, thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for the generous donation provided.

“We are very grateful to the people and the Government of Germany for their continued support in protecting our health care providers and other high-risk groups,” he said.

Germany’s Ambassador to Jordan, Bernhard Kampmann, said: “The Jordanian health system has shown a very professional and quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that this shipment of seasonal influenza vaccines will help protect those most at risk and limit flu outbreaks to avoid further strain on local health services”.

WHO Representative to Jordan Jamela Al Raiby said: “We highly appreciate the continuous assistance of the Federal Republic of Germany to Jordan on different aspects. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses, and WHO recommends prioritisation in vaccinating high-risk groups for seasonal influenza during COVID-19.”

Seasonal influenza vaccines offered to the priority groups will protect them from the influenza during upcoming season as well as from potential mixed infection of influenza and COVID-19, maintaining health system resilience, the statement said.

Recently, the Federal Republic of Germany has donated five million protective surgical masks to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.

WHO calls on the international community to continue supporting Jordan’s preparedness and response.