Influenza Vaccine

(Flu Vaccine – Seasonal)

Protects against:

• Influenza Virus (Types A & B): Seasonal flu, severe respiratory illness, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, worsening of chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease), hospitalization, death

Who should get it:

EVERYONE 6 months and older should receive annual flu vaccination

Pediatric (Children):

• All children 6 months through 18 years
• Especially critical for:
  • Children 6 months to 5 years (high-risk age group)
  • Children with chronic health conditions (asthma, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders)
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children in daycare or school settings

Adults:

• All adults 19 years and older
• Especially important for:
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women (during any trimester)
  • People with chronic health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease)
  • Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, cancer patients, transplant recipients)
  • Healthcare workers and caregivers
  • Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
  • Adults with obesity (BMI ≥40)

Travelers:

• Anyone traveling internationally, especially to:
  • Tropical regions – flu circulates year-round
  • Southern Hemisphere during their winter season (April-September)
  • Group travel settings – cruises, tours, pilgrimages
  • Areas with active flu outbreaks
• Travelers with underlying health conditions
• Those visiting friends/relatives in flu-endemic areas
• Business travelers with frequent international exposure

Schedule:

Annual Vaccination for All Groups:

Timing:

• Once yearly – ideally before flu season begins
• Best timing: September through October (Northern Hemisphere)
• Can be given any time during flu season
• Protection begins approximately 2 weeks after vaccination
• Get vaccinated every year – immunity wanes and flu strains change annually

Special Schedules:

Children 6 months to 8 years (first-time recipients):

• 2 doses needed in first year of vaccination
• Doses given 4 weeks apart
• Single annual dose in subsequent years

Adults 65 years and older:

• May receive high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine for enhanced protection
• Single dose annually

Travelers:

• Vaccinate at least 2 weeks before departure
• If traveling to Southern Hemisphere during their flu season, may need vaccination twice in same calendar year
• Year-round protection recommended for frequent international travelers

Can be given simultaneously with other vaccines (including COVID-19, pneumococcal, hepatitis, etc.)

Why vaccinate:

For Children:

• Flu can be severe and fatal in young children – hundreds of pediatric deaths annually
• Prevents school absences and keeps children learning
• Reduces risk of ear infections and secondary bacterial infections
• Protects against febrile seizures in young children
• Prevents hospitalization and ICU admission
• Protects vulnerable siblings and family members
• Safe and effective – millions of children vaccinated annually

For Adults:

• Flu kills tens of thousands of adults every year worldwide
• Reduces risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death by 40-60%
• Prevents complications like pneumonia, heart attacks, and strokes
• Reduces severity of illness even if breakthrough infection occurs
• Pregnancy protection – protects both mother and newborn for first 6 months
• Prevents lost work days and productivity
• Protects vulnerable family members and community
• Critical for those with chronic conditions
• Reduces burden on healthcare systems

For Travelers:

• Flu spreads rapidly in confined travel spaces – planes, cruise ships, hotels
• Different flu strains circulate globally – broader exposure risk
• Tropical regions have year-round flu transmission
• Prevents ruined vacations and trip cancellations
• Reduces risk of complications far from home healthcare
• Protects fellow travelers and destination communities
• Some countries may have limited medical resources for flu complications
• International travel increases exposure to multiple flu variants

Universal Benefits:

• New vaccine formulated each year to match circulating strains
• Safe, quick, and widely available
• Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
• Cost-effective prevention (often covered by insurance)
• Helps achieve community immunity
• Protects the most vulnerable in society
• Cannot give you the flu – contains inactivated virus or no virus at all

Important note:

Annual vaccination is essential for everyone – last year’s vaccine won’t protect you this year. The flu virus constantly changes, and vaccine formulations are updated annually. Children receiving flu vaccine for the first time need 2 doses spaced 4 weeks apart for full protection. Pregnant women should get vaccinated during any trimester – it’s safe and protects both mother and baby. Travelers should plan ahead – vaccinate at least 2 weeks before departure. The vaccine cannot give you the flu; mild side effects are normal and far milder than actual influenza. Don’t wait – get vaccinated early in the season for maximum protection throughout flu season.