Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19
Every year, the beginning of autumn is characterized by an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections, including influenza. Of course, hardening, a healthy lifestyle, hand hygiene and washing of the nasal cavity, especially after the street and public transport, regular ventilation of the premises will help to reduce the risk of these infections. It is necessary to reduce the time spent in public places, use a mask in crowded places, avoid contact with people who have signs of SARS, for example, sneezing or coughing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers vaccination to be the most effective means against influenza, because it is the vaccine that provides protection against exactly those types of influenza virus that are relevant this season. The composition of vaccines changes annually in accordance with WHO recommendations on the composition of influenza vaccines for the upcoming season 2022-2023 – this year, 2 strains of influenza virus that had not previously circulated in the population have changed in the composition of vaccines.
It has been proven that simultaneous infection with the influenza virus and COVID-19 leads to the development of more severe forms of respiratory infection and increases the risk of death. A person with the flu has a sharp drop in resistance to other infections, so it is vital to vaccinate particularly vulnerable groups of the population against influenza in time: children, pregnant women, people over the age of 60, as well as people with chronic diseases – regardless of age!
It is necessary to get vaccinated against influenza before the start of the epidemic season, the optimal period for vaccination against influenza is September–November.
According to the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations, simultaneous immunization against influenza and coronavirus infection in different parts of the body is allowed.
Vaccination against influenza cannot be considered as an emergency measure, it takes at least 0-14 days to form immunity to the virus – the immune system must have time to develop specific antibodies to the virus. Vaccination should be carried out only by a medical professional with a preliminary medical examination and thermometry, observation after the introduction of the vaccine for 30 minutes.
Dear citizens, do not neglect preventive measures, take care of maintaining health in advance. Get vaccinated yourself and bring your children to be vaccinated!
