Who should get the flu shot? – indications for the vaccine

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Flu is an acute infectious disease that is caused by the flu virus. The course of the disease may be mild, but it is not uncommon for the disease to be associated with serious side effects and complications. Influenza, which spreads very quickly and causes epidemics or pandemics, which is why vaccination against this disease is extremely important. Who should get the flu shot?

Basic information about the flu

Flu is an acute viral disease that develops very quickly and spreads just as quickly. Influenza virus infection most often occurs through droplets or through direct contact with an infected surface. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 10% of adults and 30% of children suffer from flu each year. Flu is characterized by the following symptoms:

1. high temperature, up to 39 degrees Celsius;
2. very severe headache;
3. severe pain in muscles and joints;
4. chills;
5. extreme exhaustion and a general feeling of being unwell.

In addition, flu can be accompanied by other symptoms that are not unique to every course of the disease, including:

1. dry and tiring cough;
2. sore throat;
3. train;
4. lack of appetite;
5. dizziness;
6. conjunctivitis;
7. abdominal pain;
8. diarrhea and vomiting.

The flu lasts on average 7 days, but accompanying symptoms can last up to two weeks. Unfortunately, flu can also be much more severe. Such cases are caused by post-influenza complications, including: pneumonia and bronchitis, otitis media, myocarditis or various neurological complications. Influenza is a very contagious disease and causes epidemics in society every year. A new flu vaccine is developed every season.

For more information on flu, see Flu

Flu vaccine – characteristics

Influenza vaccines that are available in Poland belong to the category of non-live vaccines. This means that they contain only a small part of the virus in the composition. The important fact is that new flu viruses appear every year, so the flu vaccine is only valid for one year. There are two types of flu vaccines available in Poland. The first is Influvac Tetra. This vaccine is inactivated and contains influenza virus surface antigens of 4 strains, multiplied in chicken embryos. It provides active immunization against 4 strains of influenza virus and is therefore referred to as quadrivalent. This vaccine cannot be given to children under 6 months of age. The second vaccine is Vaxigrip Tetra. Like Influvac, it is a quadrivalent vaccine. The flu vaccine is characterized by the lowest number of recorded adverse vaccine reactions. The current strains used to make flu vaccines are recommended by the World Health Organization.

You can read about the safety of flu vaccines here: Are flu vaccines safe

Who should get the flu vaccine first?

The flu vaccine is recommended for all people who want to avoid unpleasant symptoms related to the course of the disease. However, there are some high-risk groups that should get the flu vaccine first. Such people include:

1. all persons aged 50 and over. This rule applies mainly to people over 65;
2. residents of nursing homes or round-the-clock care, as well as children and adults staying in other long-term medical care facilities;
3. children and adults struggling with chronic heart disease, e.g. coronary heart disease or heart failure;
4. children and adults struggling with chronic lung disease, e.g. asthma or chronic bronchitis;
5. children and adults diagnosed with chronic kidney, liver, blood, nervous system disease or immunodeficiency;
6. diabetics;
7. pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant during the next flu season.

What should I know about immunization? Check: Vaccinations in questions and answers

Who else should get the flu shot?

Influenza vaccination should also be given to persons who may be a source of infection for the groups at risk mentioned in the above paragraph. Such people include:

1. nursing home or XNUMX-hour care workers;
2. people who provide home care or live with people at high risk;
3. health care personnel;
4. medical students who undertake classes or internships with sick people;
5. guardians, parents and family members of children up to 5 years of age, especially up to the age of 6 months.

How can flu be prevented? Check: Is immunization the only way to prevent flu?

Who shouldn’t get the flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccination is recommended for the majority of the population, especially for those who wish to avoid symptoms and complications associated with the course of this infectious disease. Unfortunately, flu vaccination cannot be done in a few cases:

1. anaphylactic hypersensitivity to egg white or vaccine antibiotics;
2. acute febrile illness;
3. moderate to severe acute disease
4. Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosed within six weeks of previous influenza vaccination;

In addition, special care should be taken in people with impaired immunity, as the body’s response to vaccination may be impaired. Contraindication to flu vaccination is also taking corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs or radiotherapy. The flu vaccine can be given with other vaccines, but each vaccine should be injected into a different limb.

What is worth knowing about compulsory vaccinations? Take a look: Mandatory vaccinations – everything you need to know

How much does flu vaccination cost?

To be effective, the flu vaccine should be given each flu season. During the first flu vaccination, two doses of the preparation are taken. One dose of the flu vaccine costs about PLN 45. Therefore, during the first vaccination, the vaccine should be paid about PLN 90.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.