Every year the population of our state suffers from the flu. Is there any way to protect yourself? Yes. The 2018-2019 flu vaccine will help with this. This material will tell you when, where and how to get a flu shot. Let's also analyze vaccines that have proven themselves to be effective.
When do flu immunizations start this year: vaccination dates for children and adults
When will vaccination start in 2018-2019?
The question is ambiguous. After all, in private clinics a person will be able to get a flu shot when the client asks. Experts say that you should not get vaccinated earlier than six months before the onset of cold weather, since the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time. You should not get vaccinated before the beginning of October, as the level of antibodies in the blood will drop by the end of the epidemic. This means that the person will be at risk of infection.
WHO recommends that adults get a single flu shot. The ideal time is October or early November. If the vaccine is given in December, the body will have less time to produce protective antibodies.
Children are injected with serum twice (but we are talking about those children who have never had the described virus before). Ideally, it is better to give a child the first vaccine in early October, and the second in early November.
Strain composition of influenza vaccines
Vaccinations, which will be given this fall, will form immunity against:
- virus like A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1). It can be called differently. Its second name is swine flu;
- A/Singapore-like virus (H3N2);
- B/Colorado-like virus.
Last year, vaccines were aimed at preventing infection by viruses:
- "Mochigan" (H1N1);
- "Hong Kong" (H3N2);
- Brisbane.
This year, from September 4 to October 29, Russian citizens will be able to receive a free Sovigripp vaccine containing the H1N1 strain and other vaccinations.
Features of immunization of children and adults
An important requirement for flu vaccinations is the delivery of serum into the bloodstream.
The vaccine should not be allowed to get into the fatty layer or subcutaneous layer, as it may remain there. According to the norms, the flu shot should be injected into the muscle . Nurses usually choose the upper arm or leg. The serum is injected into the muscle tissue because it is constantly in motion, which contributes to the rapid absorption of the injection.
You should be prepared for the fact that the injection site may hurt, so serum is injected into the leg less often than into the arm. It is recommended that right-handed people get the vaccine in their left hand, and left-handed people - in their right forearm.
It is most difficult to immunize children aged 6 months to 3 years. Due to the fact that they are constantly pulled out, there is a risk that the needle may touch the bone or break off. Therefore, most often the injection is given to babies in the thigh (upper leg).
When the child becomes over 3 years old, the mother herself chooses where exactly to give the vaccine. In addition to the injection in syringes, there is also a special serum in the form of drops.
It is inserted into the nasal passages. This method is convenient because it is painless. But the drops have been proven to be dangerous, as they often cause severe adverse reactions.
Therefore, today only serum in syringes is used for immunization against influenza.
If vaccination with Grippol occurs, then children under 3 years of age are injected with it twice, 0.25 ml each. If it is decided to vaccinate a child over three years old, 0.5 ml of serum is administered once.
If a child under 3 years of age is vaccinated with Influvac, then the little patient is given a single dose of 0.25 ml of serum. A child over 3 years old is injected with 0.5 ml of the substance.
CDC has updated flu vaccination recommendations for the 2020/2021 season
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued a report recommending the use of vaccines to prevent and control influenza for the 2020/2021 season.
The organization continues to recommend annual vaccination for all citizens over 6 months of age who have no contraindications. If access to vaccines is limited, it is recommended to pay special attention to people at increased risk of complications from influenza (and their contacts).
These include:
- children from 6 to 59 months;
- adults 50 years and older;
- people with chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (not counting isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurological, hematological and metabolic diseases (including diabetes);
- people with weakened immune systems, incl. due to taking medications or HIV infection;
- pregnant women;
- children from 6 months and adolescents up to 18 years of age receiving medications containing acetylsalicylic acid or salicylates;
- residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities;
- obese people (BMI 40 or more);
- those caring for and in contact with people at high risk, including healthcare workers.
ACIP has expanded the contraindications for the use of live attenuated vaccines:
- simultaneous use of acetylsalicylic acid or salicylates in children and adolescents;
- asthma or evidence of episodes of bronchial obstruction during the last 12 months in children 2–4 years of age;
- with weakened immunity due to any reason, including taking medications, HIV infection, etc.
- close contact with or caring for severely immunosuppressed people;
- pregnancy;
- presence of a cochlear implant;
- use of antiviral agents: 48 hours before for oseltamivir and zanamivir, five days before for peramivir, 17 days before for baloxavir;
- with caution - for asthma and other diseases that can cause complications with the flu.
Children
For best protection, children 6 months to 8 years of age require two doses of influenza vaccine at least 4 weeks apart if this is the first season they are immunized. For children 9 years of age and older and adults, only one dose of the vaccine is recommended.
Pregnant
ACIP and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that women who will be pregnant or postpartum get vaccinated during flu season. Suitable inactivated or recombinant vaccines may be used. Live attenuated vaccines should not be used during pregnancy. The vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy, before or during flu season.
Elderly
An inactivated vaccine is suitable for vaccinating people 65 years of age and older. A recombinant vaccine is also an acceptable option.
COVID-19
ACIP assumes that the 2020/2021 influenza season coincides with the circulation of coronavirus infection. For those who are acutely ill and have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19, it is suggested that influenza vaccination be delayed. It would be advisable to carry out immunization after the end of the acute phase of the disease.
What vaccines will be available this flu season?
The majority of vaccines available in the United States for the 2020/2021 pandemic season will be quadrivalent. Vaccines based on chicken embryos will contain:
- A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus;
- B/Washington/02/2019 (Victoria line)-like virus;
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (Yamagata lineage)-like virus.
Cell inactivated and recombinant vaccines will contain:
- A/Hawaii/70/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- A/Hong Kong/45/2019 (H3N2)-like virus;
- B/Washington/02/2019 (Victoria line)-like virus;
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (Yamagata lineage)-like virus.
Contraindications
It is impossible to vaccinate everyone who has expressed the corresponding desire. (although according to the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, there are categories of the population that must be vaccinated without fail).
Medical practice suggests that influenza immunization should not be given to those who:
- is allergic to egg whites, antibiotic medications and preservatives of the chosen prophylactic drug against viruses;
- prone to allergies and recently suffered a relapse;
- suffers from chronic diseases, which are currently in an active stage.
Flu serum should not be administered to infants who are less than 6 months old. Cancer and pregnancy are also contraindications.
It is also prohibited to immunize those who become ill with the flu. How to understand this? Signs of the flu may include general malaise, headache, runny nose, sore throat and sneezing.
Research results
Specialists from the Rospotrebnadzor department for the Vladimir region together with doctors from Children's City Hospital No. 1 in Vladimir during 2008-2009. Clinical observations were carried out on children receiving probiotics “Bifidum BAG” and “Trilact” in the pre-epidemic period and during the period of rising incidence of ARVI and influenza.
The results obtained prove the epidemiological and clinical effectiveness of the drugs “Bifidum BAG” and “Trilact”, which
— help reduce the incidence of influenza and ARVI by 4.7 times;
— the duration of illness is reduced by up to 5 days;
- contribute to the progression of the disease in a mild form, without the development of complications.
Side effects and consequences
It is very important to follow certain rules immediately after vaccination. Doctors say that:
- you should not visit crowded places where there may be people with the flu;
- You should avoid communicating with people who are currently suffering from acute respiratory infections, ARVI or influenza;
- You should not overcool and drink alcohol, as a weakened body may not be able to withstand such stress.
The consequence of vaccination may be pain in the arm. But you shouldn’t be afraid of this, as the pain will gradually pass. Negative consequences include the appearance of infiltration in the place where the vaccine was administered.
In some cases, the temperature may rise and the throat may become red.
In adults, after influenza vaccination, the following may occur:
- dizziness;
- migraine attack;
- loss of appetite;
- increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees;
- fainting state;
- coldness in the extremities;
- insomnia.
If the serum is administered incorrectly, suppuration may occur at the site of drug concentration.
In some rare cases, tachycardia, heart attack, or epileptic seizure may occur. There are also known cases of anaphylactic shock (but such a reaction occurs in 1 person per 1,000,000 patients). This condition is very dangerous as it can lead to death.
In anaphylactic shock, the tissues of the respiratory system swell, which can result in suffocation. If the first signs of anaphylactic shock make themselves felt, it is worth calling an ambulance, which will take the patient to the hospital.
In children, adverse reactions may occur as follows:
- headache appears;
- body temperature rises;
- your throat starts to hurt;
- lymph nodes become inflamed.
It is extremely rare that partial hearing loss may occur.
Any sudden deterioration in health is a sign of complications. Short-term malaise and the appearance of only one symptom after vaccination should be considered as normal. But there is no need to be afraid of complications, since the same vaccine can be tolerated differently by organisms.
Why do doctors encourage people to get vaccinated against the flu?
Vaccination is the most reliable protection (approximately 78%). In comparison, preventive methods and medications are less effective. The problem is the regular update of the flu strain.
Doctors barely have time to identify the characteristics of the new strain and adapt a new vaccine to them, when after a while another strain appears. Unfortunately, this situation repeats itself almost every year.
Acute onset of symptoms. Influenza is a dangerous disease, the course of which is always accompanied by severe ailments.
Fever, sore throat, watery eyes, severe runny nose, cough, body aches, fever, chills, weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting are all constant companions of the flu.
Dangerous complications. If you do not treat the flu correctly and do not coordinate your actions with your doctor, serious consequences (for example, chronic diseases) are possible.
Should you get vaccinated: pros and cons
When resorting to flu vaccination, a person must understand that this is primarily a preventive measure, which has both positive and negative aspects.
The advantages of vaccinations include the ability to prevent the onset of disease. Vaccination provides an 80% guarantee that you will be able to avoid contracting the flu. By getting vaccinated, a person takes a smart step, as he saves time and money on his treatment and recovery from illness.
The negative aspects of vaccination include a large list of contraindications. Situations often arise when a person, having ignored the prohibitions, gets vaccinated and falls ill with a severe form of influenza, and after that also faces severe complications.
Many people today are concerned about the question of whether to give the vaccine to older people. The Ministry of Health recommends administering anti-influenza serum to pensioners, since the elderly body needs special protection against influenza.
Practice shows that those who have experienced complications after vaccinations have a negative opinion about influenza vaccination.
Why doesn't everyone trust the flu vaccine?
Vaccination has its disadvantages:
- This is not 100% protection. That is, there is still a risk of infection.
- Not everyone tolerates vaccination well . Sometimes after vaccination some ailments appear (possible fever).
- For any drug used in vaccination, there are lists of contraindications. This means that they cannot be considered completely safe for everyone. There are patients who cannot have them introduced into their bodies.
Where can I get a flu shot?
You can get a flu shot at the clinic (in the vaccination room).
In kindergartens, schools, universities and some enterprises there are first aid stations that also offer vaccination procedures. In Moscow in 2021, just as in 2021, free assistance is offered by mobile points near metro stations.
In commercial medical institutions, vaccinations can also be provided for a fee.
Everyone will be able to choose the vaccine they like at the pharmacy (prices vary) and then get it done at the clinic without paying for the service.
Is vaccination mandatory?
No, because vaccination is always carried out on a voluntary basis. There are a number of recommendations.
Certain groups of people should be vaccinated ahead of the epidemic season to protect themselves from possible influenza infection.
Children and adolescents are at risk, so vaccinations are almost always carried out in schools and institutes.
Vaccination during the epidemic season is carried out free of charge at the place of registration or work. If you wish, you can choose the vaccine for vaccination yourself by purchasing it at the pharmacy.
Which vaccine to vaccinate: review of the best drugs
WHO recently reported that influenza B and A (H1N1, H3N2) will predominate in 2018-2019. Therefore, the population will be able to be vaccinated with trivalent sera containing these strains. The best vaccines are Sovigripp, Influvac, Vaxigrip, Grippol, Infanrix, etc.
Vaccine Sovigripp
Sovigripp is a new Russian-made vaccine that contains the Michigan strain. It is permitted to persons over 18 years of age. It is administered intramuscularly.
Grippol and Grippol plus are vaccines that differ in their quality and effectiveness. Anti-influenza immunization of children with these vaccines should be carried out in two stages.
Influvac is a serum that is allowed to be injected into young children. Influvac is used in two stages.
Vaccine Influvac
Vaxigrip is a serum that can be used to vaccinate adults and children from 6 months of age. For unvaccinated children under 9 years of age, the dose is administered in two stages. The remaining patients are vaccinated once.
Comparison of imported and Russian influenza vaccines
In 2021, the population will be offered flu serums with strains of viruses A and B from domestic and foreign manufacturers. All vaccines do not contain live components, but only antigens that help strengthen the immune system.
The list recommended by WHO includes the following influenza vaccines:
- split vaccine Vaxigrip (released in France);
- split vaccine Begrivak (manufactured in Germany);
- subunit vaccine Influvac (developed in the Netherlands);
- subunit drug Grippol (created in Russia);
- subunit vaccine Agrippal (released in Italy);
- split product Fluarix (made in Belgium);
- subunit adjuvant vaccine Sovigripp (created in Russia).
The presented sera from foreign and domestic manufacturers contribute to the formation of a good immune response to the virus. However, some doctors prefer only imported vaccines, arguing that they are cleaner and better than domestic ones.
When choosing a vaccine, experts recommend paying attention to split vaccines and split products. The virus cells, protein molecules and antibodies they contain have a high level of purification.
Vaxigrip vaccine
Experts, comparing the identical vaccines Vaxigrip and Influvac, recommend giving preference to the first option due to its lower toxicity and the fact that it has a more pronounced protective effect. The disadvantage of domestic drugs is that they usually contain a smaller number of strains (than foreign vaccines).
But Russian vaccines have their own advantage - the presence of immunomodulators (Grippol is enhanced with polyoxidonium adjuvant, and Sovigrip contains the component Sovidon, which has a good antitoxic and antiviral effect).
Video on the topic
Clinical immunologist on flu shots?
Analysis of the issue of influenza immunization allows us to conclude that the Russian population is given a huge selection of influenza vaccines. Focusing on the components of serums, age category and manufacturer, today you can easily select a suitable vaccination.
At the same time, we should not forget that the state offers free vaccination using high-quality domestic drugs, about which there are positive reviews.
