Influenza Vaccine – What You Need To Know Before Getting One – Flu Vaccine Singapore
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant):
Overview
1. Why Get Vaccinated? – Flu Vaccine Singapore
Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza (flu).
Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around every year and generally there are 2 seasons depending on which hemisphere you are located. Generally regardless of which hemisphere you are located in, it generally peaks around autumn and winter months. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk of flu complications. Persons traveling should also consider getting the flu vaccine.
Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. If you have a medical condition, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, flu can make it worse.
Flu can cause fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
2. Who Should Get An Influenza Vaccine & How Often? – Flu Vaccine Singapore
MOH recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every flu season. Children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses during a single flu season. Everyone else usually needs only 1 dose each flu season. There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against the influenza viruses believed to be likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season.
Based on WHO recommendations during each flu season, there may be significant changes to the strains in each season. Therefore, the vaccine that is produced in 1 season may be different from the next season. For this reason, one may require 2 doses in a year, each dose covering for one of the season.
It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.
Influenza vaccine does not cause flu.
Influenza vaccine may also be given at the same time as other vaccines.
3. Influenza Vaccine Precautions
- Egg protein and antibiotics may be present inside influenza vaccines and thus may not be suitable for people allergic to them.
- If you have a known allergy to influenza vaccinations, you are not recommended to have them. Do inform your doctor if you have such an allergy.
- People who have experienced Guillain-Barŕe Syndrome (GBS) post-vaccination are not recommended to take influenza vaccinations. Do inform your doctor if you have experienced GBS before.
4. The Essence Of The Ailment
The flu, a contagious malady, makes its presence known each year with two distinct seasons, depending on one’s hemisphere. Manifesting in symptoms such as a runny nose, body aches, and high fever, it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and brain infections, particularly in the elderly and children.
5. The Shielding Effect
An influenza vaccine serves as a steadfast guardian against the flu’s ravages.
6. Anticipating The Aftermath
For most, the flu vaccine’s aftermath is uneventful. Some may encounter minor soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, which can be assuaged with paracetamol.
7. The Intended Recipients
Individuals aged six months and older are encouraged to receive an annual flu vaccine as a protective measure.
Speak to our certified vaccinators and get yourself and your loved ones protected.
Influenza Vaccine FAQs – Flu Vaccine Singapore
What does this vaccine protect against?
Seasonal influenza – 2 subtypes of influenza A, 2 subtypes of influenza B
Who is eligible for this vaccine?
Males and females over the age of 6 months are eligible for this vaccine
What is the dosing interval for this vaccine?
Seasonal dose – may be once or twice a year or as advised by MOH
What are some possible side effects?
Pain, redness, swelling at injection site; headache, fever, nausea, muscle or joint pain
How long does this vaccine last?
The vaccines confer immunity to seasonal influenza strains, and thus should be updated at least annually, but optimally twice a year as per MOH advisory
Can this vaccine be taken together with other vaccines, e.g. COVID vaccines?
Yes, this vaccine can be taken together or a short time before or after other vaccines, including the COVID vaccines
Can I take this vaccine if I am pregnant?
Yes, this vaccine can be safely administered when you are pregnant
Who will administer the vaccine?
The vaccine will be administered by a trained and certified vaccinator
Can I get an MC for the day of the vaccination?
No as only doctors are allowed to issue MC; However our vaccinator can provide you with a timesheet when you come for the vaccination
Are there any restrictions after my vaccine? E.g. food/drinks, exercise, etc.
There are no restrictions or other limitations to note after this vaccine