Flu vaccination 2018-2019: what, why and when?

“Have you gotten your flu shot yet?” – this question becomes very popular in early and mid-autumn, when it gets cold outside.

Indeed, the issue of vaccination is becoming more relevant every day due to the increasing number of epidemic outbreaks.

But every season is always a new program. Experts compose it in accordance with the characteristics of the updated strain.

The drugs used for vaccination are usually always different from the previous ones used in past years.

• Is it worth getting vaccinated?
• How and where can this be done?
• Let's figure it out in order.
• First you need to understand why the flu is dangerous and why the virus is constantly evolving.

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.

Can you get the flu after getting vaccinated?

It is a myth that you can get the flu from the flu vaccine.

The viruses are killed in it, so people cannot get sick. However, because people need to build up their immunity after vaccination, some people may become infected with the flu soon after their vaccination if they become infected with the flu during that time period.

Some people may also mistakenly attribute cold symptoms to the vaccine.

The nasal aerosol vaccine contains a “live attenuated” influenza virus, but the virus is weakened so that it cannot cause the flu. The viruses in the nasal spray cannot multiply in the temperatures of the lungs and other parts of the body. However, since the temperature in the nose is lower, the virus causes a small infection in it. This infection causes no symptoms in most people, but in some people it causes symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat.

This local infection will prompt the body to produce antibodies against the influenza virus. This provides better protection against the real flu, which, of course, is a virus that can seriously bother you.

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.

Where and how to do it

You can get vaccinated free of charge at local clinics, kindergartens, schools, universities and colleges. You need to have your passport and compulsory medical insurance policy with you. The general practitioner will check for any contraindications and refer you for vaccination. It is advisable to spend the next 15–30 minutes after vaccination close to the office in case of immediate post-vaccination reactions. In many Russian cities there are mobile points where you can also get a flu shot. In the end, you can sign up for a paid clinic.

It is important to tell your doctor if you have chronic diseases or worsening infections. You should not come with a fever, another infectious disease, or an exacerbation of seasonal allergies: these are obvious contraindications to vaccination, albeit temporary. You need to wait for recovery or remission.

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.

Should you get a flu shot?

• Yes, if you often have to communicate with people , travel in public transport and be in different public areas, where the risk of contracting the flu is especially high.
• Yes, since vaccination reduces the risk of infection by almost 78%. It is possible that you will get the flu, but it is unlikely that you will get the flu after receiving the vaccine.
• Even if this happens, the disease is tolerated in a mild form and without complications.
• Yes, because any vaccination activates the protective functions of your body.
• You will become stronger and feel better , as it will be easier for your body to resist viral attacks.

Newspaper “Voice of Cherepovets” Issue dated September 20, 2021

The flu shot always causes a reaction—if not physiological, then emotional. Especially when it comes to vaccinating children. The debate among people about the usefulness of vaccination divides the population into two camps. Thus, the vaccination campaign in Cherepovets (started last week and will last until November 1) is planned to gather 120 thousand adults and 43 thousand children among its supporters. “The Voice of Cherepovets” listened to the opinions of Cherepovets residents, who are always among those vaccinated, and those who convince people to refuse the injection.

“I’m not afraid of vaccinations!”

We asked the chief doctors of the city's medical institutions to give arguments in favor of immunization against influenza.

- First of all, it is worth noting that the vaccine that is being used this year is good - Sovigripp.
There is neither a living nor a dead virus in it,” explains Lyudmila Lozova, .
— The vaccine works due to the fact that the drug it contains promotes the production of antibodies in the body that are ready to defeat the infection. When encountering a real virus, a person is either completely protected, or the disease occurs in a milder form and without complications. Evgeny Drozd , chief physician of the Severstal medical unit, believes that vaccinations are mandatory.

— Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza; it allows you to avoid influenza and other viral infections, such as ARVI, or suffer from them in a milder form. Vaccinated people do not get flu-related pneumonia. Post-vaccination complications and allergic reactions are minimal. The vaccine is safe. Of course, there may be isolated cases; all people are individual. The so-called vaccine dissidence is fashionable now, but this is simply a throwback to the Stone Age, this is savagery. The vaccination process has allowed humanity to avoid such serious epidemics as smallpox and polio in children. This was a step forward in science.

So, let’s summarize the main points about why it is still necessary to get vaccinated every year.

1. Getting a flu shot can protect you from becoming infected with a dangerous disease called influenza. 2. Vaccination against influenza sharply reduces the likelihood of children being hospitalized in intensive care units due to severe infection. 3. Flu vaccination is an important preventive measure for people who are prone to complications. In particular, for patients with chronic, including serious diseases. 4. Vaccination can effectively protect women during and after pregnancy from influenza. Vaccinating pregnant women can also protect the newborn baby, who will receive the mother's antibodies. 5. Vaccination against influenza, even in case of infection and illness, can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and minimize the likelihood of complications.

"I'm against!"

Opponents of vaccination believe that there is no need to interfere with the human immune system; the drug can harm health. They are frightened by possible side effects, and stories from friends and acquaintances about the deterioration of their condition after the procedure only strengthen their position.

“I got vaccinated almost a year ago and since then I haven’t stopped being treated,” says former caretaker of one of the Cherepovets educational institutions Zhanna Mikhailova . “The reaction to the vaccine was immediate—an attack of suffocation began, and a little later the hands and feet swelled. A rash and terrible itching appeared. The doctor at the hospital said that I was allergic to a foreign protein.

Zhanna says that before the vaccination she warned the doctor about a possible allergic reaction, but her words went unheeded.

“I signed consent to be vaccinated. “All responsibility has been transferred to me,” says the woman. “And now the doctors are powerless - the immune system is impaired, the wounds on the arms and legs do not heal. You even have to use rubber gloves to wash your hair. And how much money is spent on medicines! And now I don't leave fingerprints. I went to the police to remove papillary patterns for a security license, but they weren’t there—they were gone. My comrades in the police were surprised, wrote down my diagnosis and joked: “Now you can rob banks.”

Doctors do not deny that sometimes the body reacts to a vaccine with an increase in temperature, and argue that this reaction is not dangerous. After all, you can’t get sick because of a vaccine.

“It’s not the vaccine that causes such a reaction, but the immune status of the body,” says Alexey Vinidiktov . — It is possible that at the time of vaccination the person had a cold or there was an incubation period for a cold without clinical manifestations. There are a lot of viruses circulating! But the vaccine itself does not cause the disease.

However, doctors warn that the flu vaccine has contraindications. Injections are contraindicated for: - people with an allergy to chicken protein; most vaccines are made based on chicken protein; - at high temperature. Doctors' opinions on this matter vary - some say that you can get vaccinated the very next day after the temperature returns to normal, others believe that it is better to wait a week or two; - colds. Even if you feel slightly unwell, it is better to postpone vaccination for two weeks. Also, you should not vaccinate those who had the flu or other health conditions 14 days ago or later; - during the period of exacerbation of chronic diseases, you need to wait until the disease goes into remission; - pregnant women in the first trimester and babies up to six months; - patients who did not tolerate the previous procedure well.

Does the flu shot allow you to attend classes?

Parents who refuse to vaccinate their child against the flu may be in trouble. In clinics, parents are informed that the Federal Law “On Immunoprophylaxis of Infectious Diseases” stipulates that the absence of preventive vaccinations in the event of widespread infectious diseases or the threat of epidemics entails a temporary refusal to admit children to educational institutions. But what about the law on education, according to which every student is guaranteed to be provided with an education?

“If during a surge in incidence or during an epidemic, a child is removed from the educational process, this is done only for reasons of his safety,” says Lyudmila Dubovenko , deputy. Head of the Department of Organization of Medical Care for the City of Cherepovets of the Regional Health Department. — Theoretically, an educational institution, based on the law on immunization, can send unvaccinated children home. At the same time, the educational process does not stop for them - the child receives homework and has the opportunity to study remotely. In this case, the parent is not issued a certificate of incapacity for work.

We conclude that mothers and fathers of young children will have to take time off from work or take time off at their own expense. Or get a flu shot.

Where can you get a flu shot in Cherepovets?

In any clinic in the city, regardless of place of residence. Don't forget to take your compulsory medical insurance policy with you! At the request of the workforce - also in the clinic or with a vaccination team visiting for vaccination at the workplace. In addition, points are organized at the following addresses:

- Pobeda Ave., 159, pharmacy No. 124 - in September, October on Mondays and Thursdays from 12.00 to 18.00, - Pobedy Ave., 200, parking near the Maxi shopping center - in September on Fridays from 16.00 to 19.00, - st. Embankment, 39, pharmacy No. 14 - in September, October on Mondays and Thursdays from 13.00 to 15.00, - st. Truda, 49a, Pension Fund Directorate - in September, October on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 to 11.00, - st. Zhukova, 2, multifunctional center, in October on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13.00 to 15.00, - Oktyabrsky Ave., 70, Ice Palace - according to the schedule of home games of HC Severstal.

Diana Bushmanova, Inna Anokhina

What is used for flu vaccination?

All drugs used for vaccination against influenza are usually distinguished by the type of effect on the strain:

• Trivalent , allowing the body to protect itself from 3 types of virus (two A, one B).
• Quadrivalent , capable of protecting against all 4 types of virus (two A, two B).

A Russian-made tetravalent drug will soon appear.

Flu vaccines 2018-2019:

• Sovigripp is a new vaccine that contains an updated version of the Michigan strain. Applicable only to those over 18 years of age. Intramuscular administration.
• "Influvac" is acceptable for children in minimal dosages (0.25), for adults - 0.5.
• "Grippol" is used to vaccinate adults and children. There is a second option - “Grippol Plus”.

What are the deadlines and rules for flu vaccination in Moscow in 2020?

Starting from September 1, large-scale vaccination against influenza was launched in the Russian capital. It is possible to get vaccinated for free in one of the city’s clinics, as well as on the territory of one of the forty-four vaccination points.

Flu vaccination in 2021 in Moscow, timing, rules

“The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it is safe and cannot cause disease. Having been vaccinated, city residents will receive reliable protection against the flu for a year,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development Anastasia Rakova.

The official notes that this year it is extremely important to prevent an outbreak of infectious diseases. Indeed, this year Russians have been pretty tormented by the coronavirus pandemic, which is still spreading in our country.

It is reported that thirty-six vaccination points have been decided to be located near metro stations, two points each near the MCC and railway platforms, and four near public service centers. To get vaccinated, you need to take your passport with you. Regarding the written agreement, it can be drawn up on the spot.

Before receiving the vaccine, the patient undergoes a medical examination. Physicians should identify likely contraindications. After vaccination, the patient will be given a certificate and given recommendations. The vaccination will take no more than fifteen minutes.

Any adult Russian can do it at mobile points. In this case, its place of registration is absolutely unimportant. For girls in this position, it is better to go to clinics. And minor citizens will undergo the procedure in educational institutions.

The protective effects of this type of vaccination can appear after ten days and will last about a year. Over the past few years, not a single case of serious complications has been recorded in the Russian capital after a citizen was vaccinated. Vaccination is carried out exclusively with domestically produced drugs, which were created on the recommendation of the WHO.

All vaccines do not lead to any side diseases, because they do not contain live viruses. Before use for the population, drugs undergo certification, which confirms their safety for people. Also, before certification, vaccines are subjected to various types of research.

In order to find out when vaccination points operate and where they are located, you need to visit the Internet portal of the relevant Moscow department. In the Moscow region, vaccinations are ready to begin next week.

Types of flu medications and their costs

Flu vaccines are one of the medications whose creation is financed from the Russian budget. Therefore, vaccination is free in municipal clinics. However, commercial institutions have the right to charge not only for the drug itself, but also for the services of nurses.

Many drugs that are used in municipal clinics have a shortage. The fact is that such vaccines cannot be used for citizens who are allergic to chicken and egg whites. Before introducing a vaccine into the body, it is imperative to check for the presence of an allergic reaction to it. Of course, expensive medications may also contain allergens, so this check is extremely important before the procedure begins.

Russian pharmacies can sell various anti-flu drugs. They all have their own price range. Moreover, they can be purchased without a prescription. Each patient can refuse budgetary vaccine options and ask nurses to take a paid drug. Of course, in this case the patient will have to pay for it personally. Below are some of these types of drugs and their estimated cost.

Cost of anti-flu drugs

It is important to decide in advance what type of vaccine you would like to use. Moreover, in different cities there may be differences from the estimated prices. The above shows the cost of drugs in the Russian capital.

Contraindications for vaccination

Despite the fact that vaccinations have been carried out regularly for several years now, they still have contraindications and side effects. Vaccination bans may apply to citizens who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to this type of vaccine. Citizens who are sick or have recently suffered a serious illness may also not be vaccinated. A separate category includes people who have a weakened immune system or children under six months of age. However, general rules apply to all locations where vaccination is carried out.

Thus, prevention of influenza is already a kind of tradition. It is carried out voluntarily and not only in our country, but throughout the world. Today, more and more people are ready to undergo the vaccination procedure. However, there remains a portion of citizens who are distrustful of these types of procedures.

When preparing the material, the source(s) were used: bankstoday.net and pronedra.ru

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Starting from September 1, large-scale vaccination against influenza was launched in the Russian capital. It is possible to get vaccinated for free in one of the city’s clinics, as well as on the territory of one of the forty-four vaccination points.

Flu vaccination in 2021 in Moscow, timing, rules

“The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it is safe and cannot cause disease. Having been vaccinated, city residents will receive reliable protection against the flu for a year,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development Anastasia Rakova.

The official notes that this year it is extremely important to prevent an outbreak of infectious diseases. Indeed, this year Russians have been pretty tormented by the coronavirus pandemic, which is still spreading in our country.

It is reported that thirty-six vaccination points have been decided to be located near metro stations, two points each near the MCC and railway platforms, and four near public service centers. To get vaccinated, you need to take your passport with you. Regarding the written agreement, it can be drawn up on the spot.

Before receiving the vaccine, the patient undergoes a medical examination. Physicians should identify likely contraindications. After vaccination, the patient will be given a certificate and given recommendations. The vaccination will take no more than fifteen minutes.

Any adult Russian can do it at mobile points. In this case, its place of registration is absolutely unimportant. For girls in this position, it is better to go to clinics. And minor citizens will undergo the procedure in educational institutions.

The protective effects of this type of vaccination can appear after ten days and will last about a year. Over the past few years, not a single case of serious complications has been recorded in the Russian capital after a citizen was vaccinated. Vaccination is carried out exclusively with domestically produced drugs, which were created on the recommendation of the WHO.

All vaccines do not lead to any side diseases, because they do not contain live viruses. Before use for the population, drugs undergo certification, which confirms their safety for people. Also, before certification, vaccines are subjected to various types of research.

In order to find out when vaccination points operate and where they are located, you need to visit the Internet portal of the relevant Moscow department. In the Moscow region, vaccinations are ready to begin next week.

Types of flu medications and their costs

Flu vaccines are one of the medications whose creation is financed from the Russian budget. Therefore, vaccination is free in municipal clinics. However, commercial institutions have the right to charge not only for the drug itself, but also for the services of nurses.

Many drugs that are used in municipal clinics have a shortage. The fact is that such vaccines cannot be used for citizens who are allergic to chicken and egg whites. Before introducing a vaccine into the body, it is imperative to check for the presence of an allergic reaction to it. Of course, expensive medications may also contain allergens, so this check is extremely important before the procedure begins.

Russian pharmacies can sell various anti-flu drugs. They all have their own price range. Moreover, they can be purchased without a prescription. Each patient can refuse budgetary vaccine options and ask nurses to take a paid drug. Of course, in this case the patient will have to pay for it personally. Below are some of these types of drugs and their estimated cost.

Cost of anti-flu drugs

It is important to decide in advance what type of vaccine you would like to use. Moreover, in different cities there may be differences from the estimated prices. The above shows the cost of drugs in the Russian capital.

Contraindications for vaccination

Despite the fact that vaccinations have been carried out regularly for several years now, they still have contraindications and side effects. Vaccination bans may apply to citizens who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to this type of vaccine. Citizens who are sick or have recently suffered a serious illness may also not be vaccinated. A separate category includes people who have a weakened immune system or children under six months of age. However, general rules apply to all locations where vaccination is carried out.

Thus, prevention of influenza is already a kind of tradition. It is carried out voluntarily and not only in our country, but throughout the world. Today, more and more people are ready to undergo the vaccination procedure. However, there remains a portion of citizens who are distrustful of these types of procedures.

When preparing the material, the source(s) were used: bankstoday.net and pronedra.ru

When should you get vaccinated?

It is advisable to get a flu shot in early autumn. But it's better late than never if you didn't manage to do it in early September.

Vaccination schedule depending on age

• Children from 6 months to 1 year. Vaccination is not necessary if the child is fed breast milk. If the mother has been vaccinated previously, he will receive antibodies through the milk.
• Children from 1 year to 5 years . Vaccination is carried out using two reduced doses, which must be administered into the body at a short interval (4-5 weeks).
• Children from 5 to 10 years and older - one-time vaccination, standard dosage.
• Adults – also a one-time vaccination, standard dosage.

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Flu vaccines for the 2017-2018 season

The composition of the 2017-2018 flu will be slightly different from last season's flu. Specifically, this season's flu will have a different strain of the H1N1 virus compared to last season's flu shot. Trivalent influenza in 2017-2018 will contain the following strains of the influenza virus:

• A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus. This is a component of H1N1 that is different from last year's flu.
• A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus. This is a component of H3N2 that is similar to last year's flu.
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) is a component of the influenza B virus strain that is similar to last year's jab.

The 2017-2018 quadrivalent vaccine will also contain a second strain of influenza B virus, called B/Phuket/3073/2013 virus (B/Yamagata lineage), which was also included in last season's quadrivalent vaccine.

Just like last flu season, the flu nasal spray is not recommended for anyone during the 2017-2018 flu season. For the second year in a row, nasal spray has been removed from the list of recommended types of flu vaccines. This decision was based on data showing that the nasal spray was not very effective in preventing influenza from 2013 to 2021. Eliminating nasal spray use during the 2016-2017 flu season did not affect the overall percentage of people who received a flu shot that season. It is unclear whether this recommendation will change in future seasons.

Pregnant women can receive any of the flu vaccines recommended for their age group, except the nasal spray (also called live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV). This means that pregnant women can receive either an "inactivated" (killed) flu vaccine or a "recombinant" vaccine, which is made without the use of chicken eggs and can be given to people with an egg allergy. Previously, there were statements that pregnant women should receive “inactivated” ones, but there was no mention of the use of recombinant vaccines.