Health workers in North Macedonia urge vulnerable people: get vaccinated against seasonal influenza

26 December 2022

Health workers at the Center for Public Health in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, speak out about the importance of getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza this winter.

Amid concerns of a surge in influenza alongside COVID-19 this winter, WHO/Europe stands with health workers in North Macedonia and across the Region, and encourages all vulnerable people to protect themselves and get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19.

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Ljuljzime Bajrami is an epidemiologist

“I call upon all citizens to get vaccinated against seasonal flu, especially those older than 65, pregnant women, children between 16 months and five years, all people with a chronic disease, and health workers. The vaccine against seasonal flu is safe and effective, and it significantly reduces the risk of complications,” says Bajrami.

 

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Sandra Petkovska is a doctor

“I’ve worked as a doctor at a public health centre for five years. Every year I make the decision to get the influenza vaccine. It’s how I protect myself and those around me, including older people or those with chronic diseases who weren’t able to get vaccinated. Due to the nature of my job, I come into contact with many people and it is important for me to protect both myself and everyone around me,” says Petkovska.

 

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Ljuljeta Imeri is an epidemiologist

“I recommend to all colleagues and to anyone with reduced immunity to get vaccinated because the vaccine protects against complications. It doesn’t necessarily mean vaccinated people will not get sick, but they will get over the illness more easily. All groups at risk, including young children, people with chronic diseases, nursing mothers, pregnant women, older people, and health workers, should get vaccinated and protected to avoid health complications from influenza,” says Imeri.

 

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Merlinda Sejdini is a nurse

“I get vaccinated because I want to protect myself against seasonal flu. Vaccines are safe and effective,” says Sejdini.

 

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Branka Todevska, a nurse, gets her influenza vaccine

“I’m a nurse. I get vaccinated every year to protect myself, and I call upon everyone else to get vaccinated to protect their health,” says Todevska.

 

WHO / Tomislav Georgiev
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Denis Jankulovski is a nurse

“People should not be hesitant. The recommendation is for them to get vaccinated against seasonal flu because vaccines work. They offer protection. They protect our health, and with that – the health of everybody around us,” says Jankulovski.

 

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