Heading back to work? Get the flu shot first
Offices are reopening and people are returning to their workplaces. As we enjoy returning to normalcy, we must remember to be vigilant, informed, cautious, and most of all, vaccinated against flu, especially adults and the higher risk population, comprising people with comorbidities such as diabetes, COPD and respiratory diseases.
Influenza or flu is a potentially serious disease that can result in hospitalisation and, at times, even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza can affect people differently, which is why it is important to get vaccinated for flu every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends late summer to monsoons to be the ideal time to get vaccinated against flu.
Everyone who is six months of age and older is eligible for flu vaccination. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones against flu and its potential complications. Especially in the current year, with the pandemic wreaking havoc in our lives, staying updated about the latest vaccines and getting them administered in a timely fashion is the best way to combat these illnesses.
Not just adults, vaccination is equally important for kids, too. With higher social interaction anticipated during the festive season and schools potentially reopening soon, we want our children to be fully equipped. Getting kids administered with primary and booster vaccination series will ensure that children in the age group of four to six years are sufficiently protected and will make sure they don’t have to miss school. DTaP 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 dose along with polio vaccine at four to six years of age.
Booster vaccines not only help kids, but also offer extended protection to the elderly and high-risk groups by limiting their chances of contracting infections. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has suggested that Covid-19 and other vaccines should have an interval of at least 14 days. Also, people who have taken both doses of Covid-19 vaccine should take the flu shot after consulting their doctor and keeping a gap of at least 14 days.