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.