Why do we recommend that people
receive the influenza vaccine? Influenza can be a serious illness, requiring
hospitalization if complications ensue. Every flu season is different from the
other, and the degree to which people get affected by influenza infection can vary.
Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

Between the months of October and March,
flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the community. The best and
most effective way to prevent uncontrolled and large scale contagion in the
population is by observing that annual seasonal flu vaccination is properly
implemented in the individuals who can receive the vaccine. When more people
get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

The flu vaccine acts on the immune
system and induces production of antibodies about two weeks after having
received the dose. These antibodies provide protection against infection with
the viruses that are in the vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects
against the influenza viruses that statistics have shown will be most common
during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent”
vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1)
virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also
flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent”
vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent
vaccine and an additional B virus.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for all persons 6
months and older should be vaccinated annually.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly
important for persons who are at increased risk for severe complications from
influenza.

All persons aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated annually. It
is especially crucial to insist on vaccinating persons who live with or care
for persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications, such as older
people (above 65 years of age), people with chronic conditions that weaken the
immune system like diabetes, people who are immunocompromised or
immunosuppressed (due to chronic steroid therapy or chemotherapy for example). There
are special considerations regarding vaccination of persons with history of egg
allergy.