Influenza Vaccination

The influenza vaccination, also known as the flu vaccine, is a vaccine designed to protect against infection by the influenza virus.

Types of Influenza Vaccines

• Trivalent vaccines: These vaccines protect against three different flu viruses: two A viruses and one B virus.
• Quadrivalent vaccines: These vaccines protect against four different flu viruses: two A viruses and two B viruses.
• Recombinant vaccines: These vaccines are made using recombinant DNA technology and do not use eggs in the manufacturing process.
• Cell-based vaccines: These vaccines are made by growing the flu virus in cell culture, rather than in eggs.
• Nasal spray vaccine: This is a live, attenuated vaccine that is given as a nasal spray, rather than an injection.

How Influenza Vaccines Work

Influenza vaccines work by introducing a small, harmless piece of the flu virus to the body, which triggers the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies help to protect against infection with the flu virus.

Who Should Get the Influenza Vaccine

• Children aged 6 months and older: The influenza vaccine is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older, especially those under the age of 5 years.
• Adults aged 50 years and older: The influenza vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 years and older, as they are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
• Pregnant women: Pregnant women should get the influenza vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn baby.
• People with certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of complications from the flu.
• Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers should get the influenza vaccine to protect themselves and their patients from the flu.

Schedule for Influenza Vaccination

The influenza vaccine is typically given once a year, in the fall or early winter. The exact schedule may vary depending on the location and the specific vaccine being used.

Administration of Influenza Vaccine

• Intramuscular injection: The influenza vaccine is usually given as an intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle or the thigh.
• Nasal spray: The nasal spray vaccine is given as a spray into the nostrils.

Side Effects of Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine can cause some side effects, including:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat

Contraindications for Influenza Vaccine

The influenza vaccine is contraindicated in people who:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine or any of its components
• Have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of receiving a previous flu vaccine
• Are severely ill with a high fever

Efficacy of Influenza Vaccine

The efficacy of the influenza vaccine can vary from year to year, depending on the match between the vaccine and the circulating flu viruses. However, studies have shown that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu illness by 40-60% in people who receive it.