The directors, Krunoslav Capak of the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ), and Alemka Markotic of the Infectious Diseases Hospital on Friday appealed to citizens to get vaccinated for the flu, underlining that in combination with the coronavirus it could cause serious complications.

A flu vaccine is arriving in the second week of October and this year we have secured 700,000 doses, said Capak presenting a public health education campaign – #PREVENTION and not #COMPLICATIONS on the occasion of World Pharmacists Day marked September 25.

The flu vaccine is not mandatory and its price this year is HRK 95 for a flu shot, however, citizens considered to be at risk can be vaccinated free of charge.

Capak is convinced that there will be a huge interest in flu vaccinations this winter considering that the entire world is asking for “an extra dose.”

He added that the vaccine is not 100% efficient however it protects from serious complications 100% and it would be good for as many people to be vaccinated as possible.

Risk groups included people over the age of 65 and people with chronic diseases: heart, kidney, diabetics, pulmonary obstructions, oncology patients and those with transplants and anyone whose immune system has been compromised.

All health personnel have access to free vaccination as well as all personnel in aged care facilities. Other citizens will be required to pay vaccination costs.