Contents
- Not being aware of the dangers of flu
- The promotion of influenza vaccination is the key to reducing the incidence of flu
- Vaccinations in pharmacies – convenience and safety
- When is the best time to get vaccinated and who can benefit from the reimbursement?
- Flu vaccinations this season compared to the previous one
Influenza is a highly contagious disease that is asymptomatic and spreads by airborne droplets and direct and indirect contact. Flu seasons are unpredictable and vary greatly over the years. Experts warn that this year’s period of illness may be particularly dangerous, however. Over the past two years, we’ve seen a relatively low number of infections thanks to additional precautions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social distancing and wearing protective masks. Therefore, the phenomenon of compensatory seasons may appear, when the number of patients increases significantly after seasons with a low number of cases. There is also still a risk of influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks and the possibility of co-infection, both due to reduced immunity to the virus and
and relaxed pandemic restrictions. That is why experts urge us to think about protecting ourselves against influenza this year and to take advantage of the convenient and safe possibility of getting vaccinated in pharmacies.
Not being aware of the dangers of flu
The general public is still unaware of how dangerous the flu is and how much damage it can do. It is not only about the severe course of the disease and long-term symptoms, but also about the risk of complications that are dangerous to human life. In Poland, the number of influenza cases is estimated at 4-5 million cases per year. This means that approximately 12-15% of the population is ill each year. The available data indicate that the mortality rate of influenza remains at the level of 0,05-0,1%, which translates into 2,5-5 thousand deaths annually [1].
Prof. Adam Antczak, head of the Pulmonology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Department of Pulmonology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, head of the Department of General and Oncological Pulmonology at the Medical University of Lodz and chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program Against Influenza, summarizing the 2021/2022 vaccination season, emphasized that, unlike the previous (and especially the season 2019/2020, when there was a sharp drop in the number of infections in March due to the lockdown), this time there was a marked increase in the incidence of influenza.
In the 2020/2021 season, due to the introduced restrictions and lockdown, we saw a significant reduction in influenza incidence. There was no such decline in the last season. And if we compare the season 2022/21 to 2020/21, we can see a large increase in morbidity and a very significant increase in hospitalization [2] – said the expert.
The promotion of influenza vaccination is the key to reducing the incidence of flu
The flu season lasts from September to April, and the peak incidence falls between January and March – up to 100 per week. new infections [3]. No two flu seasons are alike, however, and they are unpredictable. It is impossible to unequivocally estimate what the upcoming autumn-winter period will be like, which is emphasized, among others, by this year’s late rises in the southern hemisphere.
It is important to raise awareness among physicians about the latest vaccination guidelines. Unfortunately, in the season 2021/2022, despite the recommendations, the simultaneous administration of vaccinations was not obvious to all doctors and patients who decided to take the long dates of both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations – emphasizes Prof. Adam Antczak, chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program for Combating Influenza. The key argument in making the decision to vaccinate against influenza should remain the information that infection with the influenza virus may increase the risk of a severe course of coronavirus infection, and vice versa – vaccination against COVID-19 does not protect against falling ill. A particularly important aspect of vaccination is protection against serious complications. Influenza complications, like COVID-19, are especially dangerous for the elderly, the chronically ill, and pregnant women. It is these groups that should take particular care of the systematic implementation of vaccinations [4] – continues prof. Antczak.
In the case of flu, quadrivalent vaccines are used, i.e. those that protect us against four different strains of the virus. If you become ill despite vaccination, the infection will be much milder and the risk of dangerous complications from influenza will be much lower than in unvaccinated people. Quadrivalent vaccines can be used in both adults and children.
The flu vaccination should be used by everyone who has no contraindications for vaccination, especially people from high risk groups. They include: people with reduced immunity, people over 50, children up to 5 years of age, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases, e.g. for diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or asthma.
Vaccinations in pharmacies – convenience and safety
In the current season, you can get vaccinated in pharmacies adapted to this, where pharmacists can perform the service while maintaining the patient’s payment for the service received. For patients, this possibility is a huge benefit resulting, among others, from from: easier and faster access to obtain effective and safe prophylaxis, no need to travel to a health facility that is often distant and stand in a queue. It is also an opportunity to consult and dispel any possible doubts with a well-known and trusted pharmacist who is not only very well prepared and trained to perform the service, but also has a good understanding of the daily problems and needs of the local community. The pharmacy, where the service is available, is a very safe place that meets certain requirements, strict premises, equipment and administration [5]. The qualifying examination in adults may be performed by: a doctor, pharmacist, as well as a dentist, nurse, midwife, paramedic, physiotherapist, laboratory diagnostician and medical assistant.
When is the best time to get vaccinated and who can benefit from the reimbursement?
Influenza vaccinations are recommended and performed throughout the entire fall and winter period. However, experts encourage vaccinations at the beginning of flu season, so that the moment of highest immunity coincides with the peak of illness. This year, pregnant women and seniors over 75 years of age can provide insurance free of charge. The partial, 50% reimbursement is available to children from 6 months to 18 years of age, adults aged 18-65, chronically ill from risk groups and seniors aged 65-74 [6].
Flu vaccinations this season compared to the previous one
The following factors had an impact on the vaccination record in the last season: free vaccinations for medical personnel, public services and education, more widespread use of all reimbursement indications from the beginning of the vaccination season, and the expansion of the list of professions qualifying and performing vaccinations against seasonal flu to nurses, pharmacists and others medical professions, as well as the introduction of flu vaccinations in pharmacies. Thanks to the introduction of e-referrals for vaccination, pharmacists would become independent in the implementation of flu vaccinations in pharmacies, which could have a stimulating effect on the vaccination coverage level. This is indicated by numerous European experiences, incl. in France [7] – emphasizes prof. dr hab. n. med. Adam Antczak, chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program for Combating Influenza. In many countries, pharmacists have contributed significantly to the increase in the number of vaccinated people.