Here’s why you should get the flu vaccine now
Most of us have grown up thinking flu is not a serious illness. But the truth is, influenza can lead to severe complications, especially among those who have chronic medical conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes.
The strains of influenza virus change every season. The WHO has grouped India under the Tropical Asia Zone based on the influenza vaccination zone, and has recommended that the Southern Hemisphere (SH) vaccine is the ideal vaccine for India. Since the peak season of flu starts between midsummer to the monsoon in the larger part of the country, now is the right time to vaccinate against flu.
WHY THE URGENCY?
A recent study by the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza has stated that people living with diabetes are three to six times more likely to be hospitalised due to influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have heart disease and have suffered from a stroke are at a higher risk for developing serious complications due to flu.
Besides, as you age, you become more susceptible to infections. Hence, older adults are at a higher risk of being infected by influenza and its serious outcomes. The most effective way to combat an influenza infection and its related complications is by taking the influenza vaccine annually.
CHILDREN SHOULD BE PROTECTED
Covid-19 has impacted various routine immunisation programmes leading to delayed or interrupted administration of primary and booster vaccines. Dr Bakul Parekh, past president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and member of the Pediatric Task Force of Maharashtra, said, “Primary and booster vaccination series and the vaccines for outbreak-prone diseases such as polio should be prioritised. The set of
Booster vaccines are not just important for children, but they also offer extended protection to the elderly and high-risk groups by limiting their chances of contracting infections. It is a fact that contact transmission rates are always high with toddlers and pre-schoolers.
primary vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and H influenzae type B vaccine scheduled at six, 10 and 14 weeks of life are important and need to be given as soon as possible,” adding, “DTP vaccine, the booster protecting a child from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, should be taken when the child is 15-18 months old, followed by the second booster along with the polio vaccine, preferably injectable polio vaccine, at four to six years of age. Influenza vaccine should be started when the child is six months old and should be taken annually.” HTC
Disclaimer: All the comments, views or opinions expressed herein are the independent views of the doctor. MAT-IN-2102896