What is influenza or flu?

• Influenza is a virus which is responsible for common cold also known as flu. Flu virus can also cause serious pneumonia in younger children, elderly and adults with health problems.

Why it is necessary to get flu shots / influenza vaccination every year?

• Influenza virus is notorious in changing its antigenic structure every season. The immunity formed against previous virus may not be sufficient to protect against new strain (virus types). Thus, every year WHO ( World Health Organisation ) releases circulating strains, which are incorporated in the vaccines.

Who should get vaccinate against Influenza?

• Ideally, everyone above 6 months of age should get influenza vaccine with rare exceptions.
  However, Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends influenza vaccines in
  Children below 5 years ( This is been revised for corona pandemic. It is now recommended to give it to all children.)
  Elderly 65 years and older
  Adults with health issues like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, liver disorders, weakened immunity, obese
  Pregnant women after first 6 mo of pregnancy

What are the vaccine options?

• In India, there are two types of injectable influenza vaccine is available, Trivalent and Quadrivalent. To know which one is better for you, speak to your doctor.

How many doses are required?

• For children below 8 years of age, if taking vaccine first time, 2 doses are required 1 month apart, followed by yearly one booster till protection is required.
  For children above 8 years of age and adults, one dose every year is given.

Who should not get vaccinated?

• Children younger than 6 months
  People with severe, life threatening allergies to flu vaccine

What are the adverse effects after flu vaccine?

• The adverse effects are very minor, including fever and pain at the injection site.
  Serious adverse effects, including serious allergy to the vaccines are very rare, however if happens, you need to contact your doctor.