Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and serious consequences caused by influenza viruses.
The development and production of influenza vaccines, planning for their supply and use, and the provision of other respective health care resources are essential elements of a comprehensive response to seasonal and pandemic influenza. .
For more than 50 years, WHO has worked with scientists and policymakers globally to develop a unified approach to manufacturing, testing, and regulatory oversight of influenza vaccine development, use, and distribution.
Flu vaccines, why, for whom?
Flu shots (or antigrippaux) are vaccines that protect against infection with influenza viruses. New versions are developed twice a year as the flu virus evolves rapidly. Although their effectiveness varies from year to year, most provide modest to high protection.
The US CDC estimates that flu vaccination reduces the number of illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths. The effectiveness of the vaccine in people over the age of 65, however, remains uncertain due to the lack of quality research.
The flu vaccination began in the 1930s, with widespread availability in the United States beginning in 1945. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual vaccination for almost everyone over the age of six months, especially those who are at high risk. These groups include pregnant women, the elderly, children aged six months to five years, and people with certain health conditions.
Vaccines are generally safe, including for people with severe egg allergies. 5 to 10% of vaccinated children have a fever. Muscle pain or temporary feelings of tiredness may occur. On the other hand, flu vaccines are not recommended for people who have had a severe allergy to previous versions of the vaccine itself.
The vaccine exists in an inactive and weakened viral form. The weakened live vaccine is generally not recommended for pregnant women, children under two, adults over 50, and people with weakened immune systems.
For which categories of people is the flu vaccination recommended?
Various public health organizations, including the World Health Organization health (WHO), recommend that annual influenza vaccination should be routinely offered, particularly to people at risk of complications from influenza and those who live with or care for high-risk individuals, namely:
- people aged 50 or over;
- people with chronic lung diseases, including asthma;
- people with chronic heart disease;
- people with chronic liver disease;
- people with chronic kidney disease;
- people who have had their spleen removed or whose spleen is not working properly;
- immunocompromised people;
- residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
- healthcare workers (both to prevent disease and to prevent spread to their patients);
- women who are or will be pregnant during influenza season;
- children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years old) who are taking medicines containing aspirin or salicylates and who may be at risk of developing Reye’s syndrome after infection with influenza virus;
- obese people (body mass index ≥40 for adults);
The influenza vaccine is contraindicated for people under six months of age and for people with serious and life-threatening allergies to the influenza vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
Seasonal flu vaccine, what about cancer patients?
To the question of whether cancer patients should be vaccinated during the flu season, here is what Professor of Medical Oncology, Dr YESIM YILDIRIM from Anadolu Medical Center :
“First of all, the flu vaccine is ineffective for patients who have been on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, smart drugs, immunotherapy or steroid for a long time. Indeed, the immune system is unable to produce the adequate antibody response nor present a risk since the vaccine is not alive. It is recommended to interrupt the treatment or, if necessary, to respect an interval of 2 to 3 weeks between the treatment and the vaccination so that the vaccine can provoke an appropriate protective response. »
Dr YESIM YILDIRIM continues: “The best time for vaccination is from late September to mid-November. Keep these important points in mind: Flu vaccination does not protect against coronavirus. Pneumonia vaccines are divided into two types of pneumococcal vaccines. Both vaccines should be given to patients with acute or chronic leukemia or those who have had a splenectomy.
“It is also recommended for people over 65 and people with chronic conditions such as cancer. Vaccinations can be given at any time of the year, but for treated patients, the timing of vaccinations should be decided by the attending physician. Vaccines usually don’t have serious side effects, but they can cause side effects such as mild fever, muscle aches, and pain at the injection site. » Concludes the Anadolu Center Medical Oncology Professor.