Currently, there are many types of flu vaccines, categorized into 5 main groups. The best time to get vaccinated is in the fall, before the flu virus peaks.
Important Information About Flu Vaccination
Every year, before flu season, health experts recommend that everyone get vaccinated against the flu.
The flu vaccine has been available since the 1940s and has consistently been proven to be the most effective way to prevent viral infections. However, many people still hold misconceptions about this common vaccine.
To provide a clearer understanding of the flu vaccine, health experts from Everyday Health offer the following facts and advice.
There Are Many Types of Flu Vaccines
Currently, the healthcare sector offers a variety of flu vaccines. However, all are categorized into 5 main groups.
- The first is the standard quadrivalent vaccine. This type contains egg proteins for individuals aged 6 months and older.
- The second is the quadrivalent vaccine that does not contain egg proteins, suitable for individuals aged 6 months and older.
- The third is the recombinant quadrivalent flu vaccine. This type does not contain egg proteins and is intended for individuals aged 18 and older.
- The fourth is the adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccine for individuals aged 65 and older. This type contains adjuvants to enhance the vaccine’s efficacy, resulting in a stronger immune response, thus requiring fewer doses.
- The fifth is the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). This type is for individuals aged 2-49, but it is not safe for pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems.
Healthy Individuals Also Need the Flu Vaccine
Healthy individuals face lower risks compared to infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. However, anyone can be at risk of complications from the flu or even death due to this illness.
Therefore, regardless of your health status, you should get vaccinated to prevent the consequences of flu infections. Getting vaccinated is also a way to protect those around you, especially those who cannot get vaccinated themselves.
Vaccines Do Not Guarantee Complete Protection Against the Flu
Professor William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (USA) advises that although the flu vaccine may not match the circulating strains of the virus, it still benefits the body.
The professor cites information from the CDC, stating that even if you catch the flu after vaccination, you can still avoid severe symptoms and recover more quickly. This applies even if you are infected with a different strain of the flu virus.
You should get vaccinated before flu season starts. (Photo: Adobestock).
Vaccines Do Not Work Immediately
Your body takes about 2 weeks to build an immune response against the flu virus. This means that you can still contract the flu in the period immediately following vaccination until your immune barrier is fully established.
This is why experts recommend getting vaccinated in the fall, before the virus begins to spread widely. If vaccinated early, your immune system will be ready to protect you.
Annual Vaccination is Necessary
According to Professor Andrew Pekosz from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University (USA), there are two reasons for annual vaccination.
First, the flu vaccine is updated each year based on changes in circulating virus strains.
Second, the effectiveness of the vaccine wanes over time. Therefore, you need to get vaccinated regularly every year to ensure maximum protection.
