Influenza Vaccine: Questions And Answers

The development of the influenza vaccine has been a great advance in the field of medicine. Its use has saved thousands of lives, as it protects us from suffering from the flu, one of the most common diseases today.

In fact, influenza is the most common immuno-preventable condition in developed countries. It is an acute infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract of any person, be it a newborn, an adult or an elderly person.

Administration of the flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent this disease and its complications. Since it was introduced in Spain in the early 1980s, the vaccine has proven to be effective in the entire age range of the population with percentages that vary between 30% and 74%, depending on the season and concordance the vaccine.

Likewise, it is estimated that influenza vaccination reduces by 80% the number of hospitalizations due to pneumonia in people over 65 years of age and mortality in adults over 75 years with chronic diseases by around 22%.

However, despite being a very common vaccine in the general population, there are still a number of questions that require answers. Here we explain some of the most common questions to better understand its effectiveness and operation.

Why is the flu shot given every year?

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the virus that produces the flu is that it can change its structure very quickly. This change is known as a mutation. Therefore, the flu vaccine has to be redesigned every year to protect the population.

The types of flu viruses are called A, B, and C. The former is often responsible for large flu outbreaks and is constantly mutating. Type B tends to trigger small outbreaks and type C mild illnesses.

Who needs to get a flu shot?

The influenza vaccine has to be administered each year to a series of population groups that are considered risk groups. Likewise, it should also be administered to the groups that care for or live with these people who are more likely to be infected.

The risk groups are:

• Over 65 years old.
• Adults or children with lung or heart problems.
• Residents in nursing homes and of any institution who live with people with chronic diseases.
• People treated during the year for cystic fibrosis, kidney problems, anemia, severe asthma or chronic metabolic diseases.
• Immunosuppressed people, such as patients treated with chemotherapy or with AIDS.
• Children and adolescents treated with aspirin for a long period.

Does the flu shot have side effects?

The flu vaccine is a very safe formulation, so in most cases it does not present any side effects. However, like all drugs on the market, it is not exempt from producing some adverse reaction.

Adverse drug reactions are all those symptoms that occur unwantedly and unintentionally with the treatment of a drug. In this sense, the flu vaccine can cause, although very rarely, a slight fever for a few days or pain at the injection site.

In what situations should this vaccine not be administered?

Just as there are a number of groups that should be vaccinated, there are others in which this vaccine is contraindicated. There are also other people who should consult with a doctor whether to receive the vaccine or not, since they must assess the risk-benefit. We are talking about the following population groups:

• People who are allergic to eggs, since the vaccine may contain egg proteins.

• Patients suffering from fever or serious illness.
• Women who are pregnant or possibly pregnant.

People who should not receive this vaccine are those who have had a moderate or severe reaction after administration of a dose and those who have ever suffered paralysis due to Guillain-Barre syndrome , as indicated by studies.

Conclution

The flu vaccine has been of great benefit to people’s health. Ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated annually, if you should not receive the vaccine or if you do not need to be vaccinated.