Flu Vaccination
What is a flu vaccine?
A flu vaccine is a preventive measure to protect against the influenza virus. This highly contagious respiratory illness can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Each year, the composition of the flu vaccine is updated to match the most prevalent strains of the virus for that season, as influenza viruses are constantly evolving. This is why getting vaccinated annually or twice a year is important to maintain protection. Most flu vaccines are quadrivalent, protecting against four flu viruses—two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
How does a flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine stimulates the body’s immune system to develop defences against the influenza virus. When you receive the flu vaccine, your body is exposed to inactivated virus. The inactivated virus is not capable of causing the flu but are sufficient to trigger an immune response. Your immune system recognises these viral components as foreign invaders and begins to produce antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target and neutralise the flu virus.
As a result, if you are later exposed to the influenza virus, your immune system is primed to respond more quickly and effectively, preventing illness or reducing the severity of symptoms. This process not only protects you but also helps reduce the spread of the virus within the community, contributing to overall public health.
Who should get a flu vaccine, and who should avoid it?
The flu vaccine is recommended for most people, but certain groups should prioritise getting vaccinated, and others may need to consult a healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.
The following groups of people should get a flu vaccine:
- Caregivers and household members: those who care for or live with people at high risk of severe flu complications should also get vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
- General population (6 months and older): the Ministry of Health, Singapore, recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine annually. Influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations.
- High-risk groups: certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu and should be especially vigilant about getting vaccinated. These include:
- Children (2 years and younger): children who are younger than 2 years old are at high risk of developing flu-related complications.
- Pregnant women: the flu vaccine is safe and recommended during pregnancy, as it protects the mother and the baby from severe flu-related complications.
- Elderly (65 years and older): due to their weakened immune systems, older adults are more likely to experience severe flu complications.
- Individuals with chronic health conditions: people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or chronic lung disease are at increased risk of severe illness from the flu.
- Healthcare workers: given their close contact with patients, they are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their patients.
The following group of individuals must consult a doctor before getting the flu vaccine:
- Individuals with severe allergies: if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the flu vaccine or a previous flu vaccine, you should consult your doctor. This includes people with severe egg allergies, although egg-free vaccines are available.
- People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): individuals with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological condition, should speak to their doctor before getting a flu vaccine, as they may be at higher risk of complications.
- Those who are moderately or severely ill: if you are currently experiencing a moderate or severe illness, especially with a fever, you should delay getting the flu vaccine until you recover. This ensures that any symptoms you experience are not confused with potential vaccine side effects.
At Ardennes Health, our team is dedicated to providing personalised care. If you have concerns about whether the flu vaccine is suitable for you, our doctors are available to discuss your medical history and guide you in making an informed decision.
Benefits of the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine offers numerous benefits for individuals and the broader community, making it an essential tool in public health. Here are some of the key advantages of the flu vaccine:
- Reduces the risk of flu illness: the primary benefit of the flu vaccine is that it significantly lowers the likelihood of contracting the flu. The vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus each season, helping to prevent illness in the vaccinated population.
- Prevents severe complications: for those who contract the flu, receiving the vaccine can reduce the severity of the illness. This is especially important for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. These groups are more prone to complications such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, and, in severe cases, death.
- Reduces the burden on healthcare systems: by preventing flu-related illnesses and complications, the flu vaccine helps reduce hospital visits and the overall strain on healthcare systems.
- Protects vulnerable populations: widespread vaccination contributes to herd immunity, which helps protect individuals who cannot get vaccinated, such as infants under six months or those with severe allergies to vaccine components.
- Safe for most populations: the flu vaccine has a long history of safe use in most populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Side effects are generally mild and temporary.
At Ardennes Health, we strongly recommend annual flu vaccination as a proactive measure to safeguard your health and the community’s well-being.
What are the common side effects of the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects like any medical intervention. Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving independently within a few days. Here are the most commonly reported side effects:
- Soreness at the injection site: the most common side effect is soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was administered. This is a typical reaction to the injection and usually subsides within a day or two.
- Low-grade fever: some individuals may experience a mild fever after receiving the flu vaccine. This is a normal immune response as the body builds protection against the flu virus.
- Muscle aches: some people experience muscle aches or fatigue after getting the flu shot. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived.
- Headache: a mild headache is another potential side effect some individuals may experience following vaccination.
- Nausea: in some cases, the flu vaccine can cause mild nausea. This is typically short-lasting and resolves without the need for treatment.
- Allergic reactions: although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
At Ardennes Health, we prioritise your safety and are here to address any concerns you may have about the flu vaccine. Our doctors are available to discuss your medical history and ensure that the vaccine is safe for you. If you have experienced any adverse reactions to vaccines in the past, please inform our staff so we can take the necessary precautions.
How often should I get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine should be administered annually. The influenza virus constantly evolves, with new strains emerging each year. The flu vaccine composition is updated annually to ensure it protects against the most prevalent and dangerous strains circulating in the upcoming flu season.
The best time to get the flu vaccine is early in the flu season, which typically starts in October and can last until May. Getting vaccinated before the end of October is recommended to ensure you are protected as soon as the flu spreads. However, vaccinating later can still provide valuable protection even if you miss the early season.
Vaccinating annually helps protect yourself, your family, and the community from the flu, reducing the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalisation, and flu-related complications. Schedule your flu vaccination at Ardennes Health today to stay protected and healthy throughout the flu season.
Frequently asked questions
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It contains either an inactivated (killed) virus or a small part of the virus, neither of which can cause flu illness.
How long does it take for the flu vaccine to work?
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop sufficient immunity against the flu. You may still be vulnerable to catching the flu during this period, so it’s best to get vaccinated early.
Is it safe to get the flu vaccine if I’m pregnant?
Yes, the flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women. It’s recommended as it protects both the mother and the baby from flu-related complications during and after pregnancy.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I have a cold?
If you have a mild illness like a cold without a fever, it’s generally safe to get the flu vaccine. However, if you have a moderate or severe illness, it’s best to wait until you recover before getting vaccinated.
Do I need a flu shot if I’m healthy?
Yes, even healthy individuals should get the flu vaccine. It reduces the risk of getting the flu and helps protect those around you, especially people who are more vulnerable to severe flu complications.