Getting the flu vaccine every year remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this highly contagious respiratory illness that causes significant discomfort and serious complications in some cases. 1. How is the Flu Vaccine Made? Virus Selection: Scientists monitor global flu activity to identify the most prevalent strains circulating. Virus Cultivation: These strains are grown in eggs or cell cultures. Inactivation: The viruses are then inactivated, rendering them harmless but still capable of triggering an immune response. Formulation: The inactivated viruses are combined with other ingredients to form the vaccine.
2. Why Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?
1. Protection from Illness: The vaccine significantly reduces your risk of contracting the flu.
2. Reduced Severity: Even if you do get the flu after vaccination, the symptoms are often milder.
3. Protection for Others: By getting vaccinated, you help to protect vulnerable individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
3. Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
It is recommended that everyone aged six months and older get a flu vaccine each year. This is especially the case for those at higher risks of complications:
Children aged 6 months to 5 years;
Adults aged 65 years and older;
Pregnant women;
People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.
4. When to Get Vaccinated
The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season begins which is typically late October in China. However, it's still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season if you haven't already done so.
5. What’s Available at Parkway
Quadrivalent vaccines are currently available at Parkway for adults and children 6 months old and above.
Quadrivalent vaccines provide protection against four influenza virus strains (two influenza A type and two influenza B type viruses).
Article contributed by Dr. Hyunick Kim, General Practitioner of Parkway.
