During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all learnt about barrier measures. These actions have prevented a wave of flu in Switzerland in recent years. But that doesn’t mean it’s gone away. What’s more, it can be very serious for vulnerable people. So the flu vaccine is still recommended.
Why get vaccinated against flu?
Vaccination not only protects you, it also protects others who may be in poorer health. For a person in good health, it reduces the risk of infection as much as possible. For people at risk, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of complications. Of course, you also need to avoid infecting colleagues, friends and family.
Who needs to be vaccinated against flu?
We strongly advise you to get vaccinated against flu, if you are…
A pregnant woman
Pregnant women are particularly at risk from influenza. They may develop an increased risk of pulmonary and cardiac complications, leading in the worst case to hospitalisation in intensive care. This vaccine is suitable for pregnant women and is ideally administered during the 2nd trimester, as complications increase from the 4th month of pregnancy. The antibodies transmitted by the placantas also protect newborn babies.
An elderly person
With age, the immune system weakens and complications increase. By getting vaccinated against flu, you can avoid falling ill at family dinners or catching the bug in the supermarket.
Suffering from a chronic illness
If you have a chronic illness, your immune system is already very busy. Thanks to the vaccine, you can protect yourself and reduce the symptoms should you fall ill.
In contact with people at risk
If you come into contact with any of the groups described above, we also advise you to get vaccinated. Because even though the incubation period for flu can be very short, it’s often too late when you feel the symptoms. Vaccination not only protects you, but also those at risk. That’s why many professionals who work with people at risk are vaccinated.
All of you!
You can be vaccinated against flu even if you have no particular health problems. The vaccine does not provide absolute protection against flu and its symptoms, but it does greatly reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Should I get the flu vaccine every year?
Unfortunately, seasonal flu comes back every year, and the viruses that cause it often change! But even when they don’t change, you still need to be vaccinated, because not all flu vaccines contain adjuvants, so their effectiveness diminishes over time, even if the virus doesn’t change. To ensure that protection remains effective, you need to be vaccinated every year.
Are there any side effects after the flu vaccine?
Side effects may occur after vaccination, including
- Redness around the injection site. This occurs in 10-40% of people vaccinated.
- In 5 to 10% of cases, symptoms such as fever, nausea or minor muscle pains may be observed.
- Side effects stronger than these are very rare. Skin rashes, oedema or asthma are rarely observed.
If you still have questions about flu vaccination, you can consult a specialist in vaccination advice.
