Every year 6 million Dutch people receive a call for the flu shot. RIVM expects that more people will actually take the shot this year in connection with the corona virus. In corona time, that is quite an operation. More vaccines have been ordered than usual and additional, time-consuming measures have to be taken. How does vaccination work now?
Purchased half a million extra vaccines
In previous years, about half of those invited chose to get the flu shot. The RIVM expects that more people will now want the flu shot in connection with the corona pandemic. That is why half a million extra vaccinations were already purchased in March, Rob Riesmeijer of the RIVM reports to the WE. In total, this involves 3.8 million vaccinations. It remains to be seen whether this is sufficient, but also whether it is really necessary. Some people may prefer to skip it for a year out of fear of the corona virus.
Reorder not possible
In any case, the RIVM keeps a strict record of how many people are vaccinated. If it becomes more than is available, then no more can be ordered. After all, it cannot be added that quickly. If that is the case, healthy people over 60 will be asked not to get the shot in consultation with the ministry. Hopefully it will not come to that, because Riesmeijer emphasizes that it is especially at this time, when healthcare is also under extra pressure due to the corona virus, it is important to prevent as many hospital admissions as possible.
Flu shot extra important in corona time
It is also useful for healthcare workers to get the flu shot. Professor of molecular virology Ron Fouchier says to it AD that coverage among healthcare personnel is not yet optimal, while hospitals are expected to be overloaded this winter. The hope is that the flu season will be less severe due to the Covid measures, but that remains to be seen. Fouchier emphasizes that the chance of getting flu is reduced by the flu shot and therefore also that in case of respiratory complaints, one should have unnecessary testing in the already overloaded test lines.
Doctor Ted: Flu shot can prevent confusion with COVID-19
We ask Dr. Ted about the importance of the flu shot during corona time: “The flu shot is important right now. To avoid confusion with COVID-19 and the test streets to become even busier. But also not to be even more susceptible to the corona virus after a flu. And finally, as always, to prevent influenza and its serious complications. The chance is very small that you will contract both respiratory infections at the same time, but that would be a real disaster. A flu shot will not stop the coronavirus, but it is safe and does not increase the chances of getting COVID-19, ”he says.
Vaccination in corona time
For the vaccination itself, there are extra measures this year to keep it on the right track and to keep it corona-proof. The RIVM explains on the website that GP practices ensure that everyone can keep sufficient distance from each other during the vaccination consultation. This may mean that vaccination does not take place in one’s own practice, but in a sports hall, for example. We also work with time slots, there is a health check at the door and there are walking routes. There is a mouth masks advice and at some consultation hours there is a mouth masking obligation.
Additional protective measures
Only the healthcare provider who gives you the shot comes closer. The person wears a surgical mouth and nose mask and regularly disinfects the hands. You stand with your back towards the care provider as much as possible. Patients with chronic laughter, such as a cold or cough due to COPD, are asked to wear a mouth and nose mask. People without complaints do not need to take additional measures, unless your doctor decides otherwise.
What you can do yourself (in case of complaints)?
- Keep your distance from other people present.
- Do not look at the healthcare provider if he / she gives you an injection.
- Make sure you can easily expose your arm. Then the contact remains short.
Do you have corona-related complaints, such as cold, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, suddenly no longer smelling or tasting, increase or fever? Then you are not allowed to go to the vaccination consultation. In that case you have to make another appointment. During the vaccination consultation you will be asked again in advance whether you have these complaints.
Also read: these are the fables and facts about the flu shot.
(Source: RIVM, NOS, AD, Dr. Ted)
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