China Flu: Flu epidemic sweeps China, very few people vaccinated

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Flu epidemics have hit many parts of the world, and China is no exception. Less than two percent of Chinese people get flu vaccinations each year, leaving most people without the most basic protection. Our reporter Liu Xinqing talked to health workers and residents in central China's Henan province to find out why.

It's not even half way into the flu season, but hospitals are packed with patients. An epidemic is sweeping the country.

ZHOU YIBO DEPUTY MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR, HENAN CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL "According to the influenza treatment plan released by China CDC, flu cases are now at the highest level they were last year which means this is a highly prevalent flu season."

It's still not clear if the flu season has peaked or if it will get worse before getting better. But what is clear is people might be less vulnerable if there was more vaccination.

LIU XINQING ZHENGZHOU, HENAN "The World Health Organization says vaccination remains the most effective protection against Flu virus. With three months to go before the end of the flu season, more than 98 percent of the country's people have yet to receive vaccinations."

Flu vaccinations are readily available, and residents can get vaccinated in community health service centers like this one.

DR YU LING COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE CENTER, ZHENGZHOU "Most of the children coming for vaccinations are under three. Not many of them are older than that. Many parents are not fully aware of how bad flu can be. It's very harmful to health and in some cases can be deadly."

The Chinese Center For Disease Control says less than two percent of Chinese people get vaccinated against the flu virus, while the average uptake in developed countries is above 50 percent. The reason is public awareness.

ZHANG XIAOYA ZHENGZHOU RESIDENT "I didn't know that adults could have flu vaccinations, I thought it only worked for children. I only had vaccinations when I was a child."

LI XIAOJUAN ZHENGZHOU RESIDENT "I haven't been vaccinated myself, but I've got relatives who have caught the flu, so I came to get my son vaccinated."

Local health workers are trying to persuade people in their communities of the benefits of vaccination.

ZHANG SHAOJING, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE CENTER, ZHENGZHOU "We regularly send our doctors to communities to carry out health education and help improve public awareness about the risk of flu by handing out pamphlets."

It's important to understand the risks and take action. Especially at this time of the year when more cold weather is expected before the arrival of spring. So it's still not too late to get a shot. Liu Xinqing, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan province.