Israel Deputy Minister of Health Rabbi Yaakov Litzman getting the flu shot
An announcement publicized by many rabbonim states as follows: "We hereby bring to the public's attention the importance of vaccination against the flu to prevent sickness. The flu can be a very dangerous illness resulting in numerous complications, especially so within certain parts of the population such as those over 65, children from 6 months to six years and people suffering from chronic disease."
The letter continues: "The vaccine is advised by health authorities throughout the world, including medical bodies and doctors in Israel. We therefore hereby call upon the public to heed to the obligation to be vigilant for their health and be vaccine, especially so children up to the age of 6, which is considered part of the risk population by medical bodies, so as to prevent their contagion."
Taking the vaccine does not guarantee that one will not get the flu, but if one does get it, the course should be less severe than it would have otherwise been.
The Israeli Ministry of Health recommends vaccinating the entire population above the age of 6 months against influenza each year before the winter. Vaccines provide good protection against influenza for a single winter. In each autumn a new vaccine is produced containing the three trains of influenza virus most likely to be common in the upcoming year.
