Everything you need to know about vaccinoprophylaxis: you asked, we answer!
12.08.2020
- Will the vaccine spoil the immunity of the newborn?
Immunity cannot be "spoiled". When a child is born, it encounters billions of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) surrounding it, which interact with the immune system to form an immune response. Thus, the newborn gets protection from infections. The vaccine contains from one to five antigens, against which a similar immune response is produced in a child. Therefore, it is impossible to have a detrimental effect on the immune system with such a number. On the contrary, for each foreign penetration, the body acquires its own specific protection. For the child and his parents, this is a benefit and confidence that when meeting with dangerous pathogens in later life, he will not get sick and will not receive terrible complications from infectious diseases. - At what age should I be vaccinated against the flu?
Influenza can be vaccinated from the age of 6 months in children, and the age limit for adults is not limited. - Is the flu shot paid for?
At the expense of the state, children and adults from risk groups are vaccinated free of charge. In accordance with the national calendar of preventive vaccinations, paid services can be provided to citizens in medical organizations that have a license for this type of service. Immunization on a paid basis is carried out at the request of the citizen. - Where can I get a flu shot?
Immunization against influenza is carried out in polyclinics at the place of residence, in kindergartens and schools, during field preventive actions in places of mass presence of people, at enterprises and organizations that have conditions for vaccination, in paid vaccination points. - When do they start getting flu shots?
Vaccination should be carried out in anticipation of the epidemic rise in the incidence of influenza. The minimum interval during which a strong immune system is developed should be at least 2 weeks, but preferably at least 1 month. In this regard, doctors recommend getting vaccinated against the flu from August to December, since a seasonal increase in the incidence is likely by the New Year holidays. - How safe is the flu vaccination?
In the Lipetsk region, inactivated influenza vaccines are used, which are as safe as possible for humans when used. Long-term practice of using such vaccines practically does not lead to complications after administration. Provided that there were no contraindications before administration. And almost 600 thousand residents of the region are vaccinated against the flu every year. But we must take into account that the reaction to the vaccination in the form of malaise, fever, soreness and redness at the injection site, this is not a complication, but a normal reaction of the body to the introduction of the vaccine. - What are the contraindications for vaccination?
Each vaccine has its own contraindications, so before vaccination, a person is examined by a doctor or paramedic. Contraindications for influenza vaccines are minimal – this is a vivid reaction to previous vaccinations, an allergy to chicken protein. Also, contraindications are exacerbations of chronic or infectious diseases, but in these cases, vaccination can be carried out after recovery or the onset of a period of remission of chronic diseases. - Do I need to be vaccinated every year?
Yes, against the flu, the World Health Organization, as well as experts around the world, recommend to be vaccinated annually. This is due to the fact that the circulation of influenza strains changes over time, so the vaccine is prepared for the upcoming season, taking into account the current strain composition of three or four components. - What kind of vaccine will be available this year and what type of flu strain will be vaccinated against?
This year, the strain composition has been updated due to the expectation of the circulation of new influenza varieties of type A (H1N1), type A (H3N2) and type B (Victoria/Yamagata). All vaccine manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, have already included these current strains in their products this season. - How do I find out that my clinic has started getting vaccinated against the flu?
Information to the public about the start of vaccination is posted on ads in polyclinics and hospitals in the region, on the websites of medical organizations and the Regional Health Department, on the website of the Department of Rospotrebnadzor in the Lipetsk region and in social networks. - What should I do if I feel bad after the vaccination?
The first signs of a reaction to the vaccination or complications may appear 30 minutes after the introduction of the vaccine. At this time, it is recommended to be in a medical organization under supervision and as soon as you feel unwell, you should immediately notify the health worker. If complications occur after a day or 2-3 days, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. - Can I get a flu shot at home?
Only a medical worker who has access to this procedure should be vaccinated, and the medical organization to which it belongs must have the appropriate license permits. It is not safe to vaccinate at home, because the risk of complications increases, and the provision of adequate medical care may be delayed. - Is the vaccination a guarantee that I won't get the flu?
Many scientific sources publish data that vaccinated people are 10 times less likely to get the flu than those who are not vaccinated. The immune response to the introduction of the vaccine in each person is highly individual. This determines the level of protection against the invasion of infection in the body. In cases where the immune response is intense and reacts as much as possible to the virus entering the body, a person will not get the flu. And in cases where this response is less pronounced, a person can get sick, but the course of the disease will be less dangerous and the probability of serious complications, up to a fatal outcome, is almost zero. During the entire follow-up period, no cases of flu-related deaths were reported in vaccinated individuals.
