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The flu vaccine may be a therapeutic preparation this season, which we will be particularly looking for. This year’s flu season may coincide with a second wave of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections, which have flu-like symptoms. How do I get vaccinated against the flu?
Flu vaccination is not compulsory
In Poland, the flu vaccine is included in the recommended vaccination group, which means that it is not financed from the budget of the Ministry of Health. If we want to vaccinate ourselves and our family against the flu, we have to count on expenses. This year, flu vaccines are on the list of reimbursed drugs, which means that some groups can get it for free or partially reimbursed.
What is the refund of influenza vaccines in the 2020/2021 season?
Free flu vaccine VaxigripTetra:
- for people over 75 years of age
Partial refund of VaxigripTetra flu vaccine:
- for people over 65 (price after a reduction: PLN 22,88)
Partial refund of Influvac Tetra flu vaccine:
- adults (from 18 to 65 years of age) qualified by a doctor to the group of increased risk of complications after influenza (price after reduction: PLN 24,95)
Partial reimbursement of Fuenz Tetra nasal flu vaccine:
- children from three to five years (price after a reduction of PLN 47,87)
Without reimbursement, vaccine prices are as follows:
- Fluenz Tetra: PLN 95,73
- Vaxigrip Tetra: PLN 45,78
- Influvac Tetra: PLN 47,83
The prices of the above-mentioned vaccines are officially fixed because the preparations are reimbursable. In the case of the fourth vaccine on the market this year: Fluarix Tetra, due to the fact that it is not refundable, the price may vary depending on the pharmacy. How do I get the flu vaccine and who can get it?
Prescription flu vaccine
As with other vaccines, in the case of the flu vaccine, we should undergo a qualifying examination before vaccination. For this purpose, it is worth making an appointment or television visit to the primary care physician. It is worth knowing that a medical examination qualifying for vaccination is valid for 24 hours. Its purpose is to detect possible contraindications and to ensure that there are indications for the administration of the vaccine.
The flu vaccine is a prescription-only vaccine, so check with your healthcare professional before purchasing. Vaccination can be performed by a doctor or nurse.
If we buy the vaccine in a pharmacy, we should be aware that until it is administered, it should be stored in appropriate conditions – at a temperature of 2-8 ° C. Before you go to the pharmacy, it is worth equipping yourself with a thermal insulation bag that will allow you to safely transport the vaccine to your home or clinic. The vaccine should not be out of the refrigerator for more than an hour.
If you want to get the flu shot or ask your doctor questions about your symptoms or your health condition, sign up online for an e-consultation and get ready for a remote appointment.
Availability of the flu vaccine in the 2020/2021 season
This year, interest in the flu vaccine may be particularly high. Experts and doctors especially recommend flu vaccinations this season, as there is a high probability that it will coincide with the second wave of COVID-19 cases. And while the flu vaccine does not protect against coronavirus infection, it may make it somewhat easier to differentiate between the two diseases.
In the 2019/2020 season, the flu vaccination coverage in Poland was 4,12 percent.
During a press briefing organized by the “Polish Program for Combating Influenza” with the participation of representatives of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, Deputy Minister of Health Maciej Miłkowski said that “after talks with pharmaceutical companies still ongoing, we estimate that apart from 1 vaccines ordered, additional 770 doses ». Miłkowski also added that currently 000/200 of the entire order is on the market, another 000/1 part of the order is planned to be released next week. Deliveries will be successively delivered to pharmacies.
Flu vaccines were also found against the so-called anti-export list, i.e. a list of drugs and medical devices at risk of availability. This does not mean that these preparations are absent. Putting them on the anti-export list makes it more difficult to sell them abroad.
If you want to get the flu vaccine, it is worth contacting your GP now and getting a prescription for the flu vaccine.
The editorial board recommends:
- This year everyone should get a flu shot. Will this save us from COVID-19?
- Flu season around the corner. Are we ready for increased interest in the flu vaccine?
- Expert: I recommend that you get flu vaccinations commonly
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