Recently, many people have been getting vaccinated against the flu, with some mistakenly thinking it is to prevent… bird flu. Who should get vaccinated, and where can they do so? Dr. Nguyễn Đắc Thọ, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control, explains:
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Vaccination with Vaxigrip at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City |
– It is essential to distinguish between the flu and the common cold. Additionally, it is crucial to inform the public that the current flu vaccine (Vaxigrip) contains three strains of human flu: two type A strains (H1N1, H3N2) and one type B strain. This vaccine is not intended for preventing bird flu (H5N1) in humans, which is a global concern.
Generally, there are two types of flu that pose a risk to humans: type A and type B. Type A flu includes two viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, which are of avian origin. Type A flu often leads to complications for the elderly and children (due to their weaker immune systems). Therefore, Western countries typically offer flu vaccinations to these vulnerable groups annually.
On the other hand, type B flu is only found in humans. Type B flu is usually milder and occurs in Asian countries, including Vietnam. In Vietnam, particularly in the southern provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, flu rarely becomes an epidemic, and the disease tends to be mild, making vaccination not an urgent requirement. Furthermore, the cost is relatively high—approximately 170,000 VND per adult. Vaccination is recommended for specific groups, such as the elderly and children, if there is demand.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals who frequently come into contact with poultry, such as farmers, traders, slaughterers, and veterinary staff, should receive this vaccine to minimize the risk of co-infection with multiple strains of type A flu and to help curb mutations.
For flu vaccination locations in Ho Chi Minh City, individuals can visit the Pasteur Institute, the City Center for Disease Control, and various vaccination sites operated by district health teams.
KIM SƠN reporting
