This article provides essential information on seasonal flu vaccination, including vaccine composition, benefits, administration guidelines, and precautions. It emphasizes the importance of annual immunization to prevent influenza and its serious complications, offering practical advice for different age groups to stay protected during flu season.

Introduction to Flu Shots

Influenza is a highly contagious virus that antibiotics cannot treat. Symptoms include fever, cough, and body aches, with antiviral medications helping if taken early. Proper rest and hydration aid recovery, but severe cases can lead to pneumonia or other complications. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications.

The primary vaccine available is the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virus, inactivated), sold as Fluarix Tetra.

Vaccine Composition

This vaccine contains antigens from four influenza strains:

A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus

A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus

B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus

B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

Each 0.5 ml dose includes 15 micrograms of hemagglutinin from each strain, aimed at preventing infections caused by these viruses.

How the Vaccine Works

The shot stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hemagglutinin protein of each included strain, offering active protection and reducing illness severity.

Timing for Vaccination

It is advised to get vaccinated annually, ideally before the peak of flu season in October.

Who Should Receive the Vaccine

Recommended for individuals aged 3 and older. Children aged 3-9 who haven't been vaccinated before should receive a second dose after four weeks.

Precautionary Measures

Check vaccination history and Previous reactions.

Ensure emergency support for allergic responses.

Avoid vaccination during active febrile illnesses.

Administer only via intramuscular injection—no IV or subcutaneous methods.

Use with caution in pregnancy and bleeding disorders, weighing benefits and risks.

Common Side Effects

Possible reactions include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, and mild fever. Rarely, dizziness, rash, or swelling may occur.

Injection Details

The vaccine is delivered into the deltoid muscle or front thigh using an intramuscular method. A 0.5 ml dose is standard for each vaccination.

Note: This overview is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice before vaccination.