Flu vaccination reduces the risk of disease and death

In the 2018-2019 season, according to the forecast of the WHO National Influenza Center, a large activity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B viruses is expected in Russia. This can lead to the development of an epidemic upsurge with the broad involvement of not only the child population, but also adults of active working age. As practice shows, in unvaccinated people, the flu disease is often complicated by the development of pneumonia.

On the eve of the next epidemic season for influenza and ARVI, the Department of Rospotrebnadzor for the Lipetsk region reminds that the most effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination.

An analysis of the epidemic increases in the incidence of influenza in previous seasons showed that:

• vaccination against influenza reduces the risk of infection – the incidence of influenza vaccinated was 9 times lower than unvaccinated, including among children – 25 times;
• vaccination reduces the risk of death - all deaths from influenza have been reported only in unvaccinated patients.;
• modern inactivated vaccines are safe for pregnant women and highly effective: in 2015-2017, more than 6,000 pregnant women were vaccinated against influenza- none of them had any adverse events after vaccination, and none got sick with influenza.

Vaccination against influenza is carried out in accordance with Federal Law No. 157-FZ of 17.09.1998 "On immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases" and Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 125n of 21 March 2014 "On approval of the national calendar of preventive vaccinations and the calendar of preventive vaccinations for epidemic indications". During the pre - epidemic period, persons from risk groups are subject to vaccination at the expense of the federal budget: children from 6 months, students of grades 1-11; students in professional educational organizations and educational organizations of higher education; adults working in certain professions and positions (employees of medical and educational organizations, transport, and public utilities); pregnant women; adults over 60 years of age; persons subject to conscription for military service; persons with chronic diseases, including lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and obesity.

The consequences of influenza are measured not only by damage to health, loss of life, but also by economic losses, which consist of the cost of purchasing medicines, damage to enterprises (employers) due to employee absenteeism, and reduced labor productivity.

Managers of enterprises (institutions) whose employees do not belong to the risk groups defined by the National Calendar of Preventive vaccinations should ensure the purchase of influenza vaccines and immunization against influenza of employees at the expense of the enterprise. A contract for medical services for the vaccination of employees of the enterprise can be concluded with any medical organization in the region that has a license for medical activities, including conducting immunoprophylaxis.

The answers to the most frequently asked questions will help you make a choice in favor of flu vaccination.

• At what age can I get vaccinated?

Vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccines is allowed for children of 6 months (live influenza vaccines-for children from 3 years), adults-without age restriction.

• What are the contraindications to flu vaccination?

- Allergic reactions to chicken protein and other components of the vaccine, severe allergic reactions or post-vaccination complications to previous administration of the vaccine.

- Chronic diseases in the acute stage or acute infectious diseases, accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

• Why is childhood vaccination so important?

Every child is surrounded by family, peers, teachers and caregivers on a daily basis, which makes the risk of contracting the flu and spreading the infection extremely high. Vaccination will protect not only the child, but also a wide range of people around him.

• Which vaccine is better to get vaccinated with – Russian or imported?

All vaccines used in Russia are licensed, contain the same set of viruses, are safe and effective. In accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the composition of vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere for the 2018-2019 season, the set of strains has been changed (2 virus strains have been replaced in all vaccines of the current season). Trivalent vaccines contain hemagglutinins of influenza viruses: A / Michigan/45 / 2015 (H1N1)pdm09; A / Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2); B / Colorado/06 / 2017 (line B/Victoria). Tetravalent vaccines, including the new Russian-made vaccine "Grippol Quadrivalent", additionally contain hemagglutinin of the influenza virus In the Yamagata line: V / Phuket/3073 / 2013.

• How quickly does the vaccine start to "work" and how long does it protect?

The immune response to vaccination is formed within 2-3 weeks and provides protection for a year.

• Can I get vaccinated on my own?

Vaccination should only be carried out by a medical professional. On the day of vaccination, a medical examination and thermometry are required. The vaccinated person should be under medical supervision for 30 minutes after the introduction of the vaccine.

• Where can I get vaccinated?

You can get vaccinated in state medical organizations at the place of residence, work or study, as well as in non-state medical organizations that have a license to perform vaccination works (services).

Get vaccinated and live happily ever after!