WHAT IS INFLUENZA VACCINATION?

The influenza (flu) vaccine serves to diminish the risk of contracting influenza, a potentially serious virus affecting the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs). While influenza infections commonly resolve without specific treatment, certain individuals face an elevated susceptibility to complications. This high-risk category encompasses children under 5 years old, pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and older, as well as people of any age with weakened immune systems or specific chronic medical conditions. When individuals in these vulnerable groups contract the flu, it can potentially escalate to a life-threatening situation.

WHAT DOES THE VACCINE DO?

The influenza vaccine initiates the production of antibodies in your body, enhancing your immunity against the influenza virus. These antibodies work by attacking the virus when you encounter it, providing increased protection from influenza infection. It typically takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to reach its full effectiveness.

Given the multitude of flu strains that can vary each year, it is crucial to receive an annual vaccination before the onset of flu season. This proactive approach helps safeguard you against the strains anticipated to be in circulation. Additionally, regular yearly vaccinations are recommended because the antibodies that guard against influenza may diminish over time.

WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE AND WHEN?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that individuals aged 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. If you fall into the category of individuals at an elevated risk of experiencing complications related to the flu, it is imperative to get vaccinated. You are considered high risk if you:

• Are 65 years or older
• Are under 5 years old
• Are pregnant at any stage
• Reside or work in environments with a high density of people (e.g., doctors, military barracks, nursing homes, teachers)
• Have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV or cancer, immunosuppressive medications, or chronic steroid use)
• Have a chronic condition (such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, asthma, blood disorders like sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, among others)
• Are classified as obese, with a Body Mass Index exceeding 40
• It's important to note that the flu vaccine can be safely administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE VACCINE?

• Children less than 6 months
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past or have a severe allergy to any vaccine component.

DOSE

These recommendations apply to the inactivated influenza vaccine.

INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION:

• Children above 6 months old and adults: one dose
• Children 6 months to 9 years old who have never received the vaccine before: two doses 4 weeks apart.

These Doses are according to the BNF for adults and children.

IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO FALL OUTSIDE OF THAT BRACKET OR THOSE WHO:

Have taken anti-viral flu medication in the previous 2 weeks and avoid flu vaccine 48 hours after stopping the antiviral treatment.

If egg allergy (previous anaphylaxis) can be immunized with egg free Flue vaccine. Or with flu vaccine containing ovalbumin less than 120nanogm/ml

ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS? Most side effects associated with the flu vaccination are mild. Common symptoms may include soreness, swelling or redness at the vaccination site. There may also be some additional symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Fever (if children under 2 years old)
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness or feeling faint

Some studies have found a possible association with a rare condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) but this is fewer than 1 or 2 people in one million people vaccinated.

Vaccines (available in our clinic) can be safely administered to people with a history of egg allergy or egg anaphylaxis. Studies have shown that influenza vaccines containing less than one microgram of ovalbumin do not trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.