“World Health” answers questions about the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine to protect against corona

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The World Health Organization has provided a number of answers related to the seasonal influenza vaccine, amid the ongoing pandemic of the new Corona virus, in the form of questions and answers.

The questions and the answer to them were as follows:

Who should get the flu shot this year?

With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing and concerns that influenza infection may increase the burden on health care systems, the World Health Organization recommends that the highest priority be given to health care workers and the elderly in obtaining the influenza vaccine this year, especially in places where it is available. Limited quantities of the vaccine. Health care workers are at high risk of contracting the disease through their regular contact with patients, and the influenza vaccine will contribute to minimizing absenteeism due to influenza infection, and reducing disruption in the workforce.

Older adults are at a much greater risk of severe disease and death from influenza than young adults, so the vaccine will help reduce the risks to this population.

But if the available quantities of the flu vaccine still allow others to get the vaccine, then priority should be given to individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and children, in no particular order.

How effective is the influenza vaccine?

The flu vaccine is the best tool we have for preventing influenza and reducing the risk of serious complications and even death. The effectiveness of the vaccine may vary from year to year, depending on the types of influenza viruses circulating and the extent of their conformity with the vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccine also depends on the health status and age of the person who received the vaccination, as well as on the time since the vaccination. On average, the vaccine prevents about 60% of infections in healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years. And influenza vaccines become effective about 14 days after vaccination.

Do people need to be vaccinated against influenza every winter?

Yes, influenza viruses are constantly changing, and different strains can spread each year. In addition, people’s immunity to influenza decreases over time. Therefore, seasonal influenza vaccines are updated to combat the most common circulating strains each year in order for people who receive these vaccines to acquire the highest possible immunity against these strains.

Is the flu vaccine safe?

Yeah. Seasonal influenza vaccines have been in use for more than 50 years. And it was, and still is, given to millions of people, and it has a good safety record. Every year, national drug regulatory authorities carefully examine each influenza vaccine before licensing. Systems are also in place to monitor and investigate any reports of adverse events after influenza immunization.

Does influenza vaccine reduce immunity against other diseases such as Covid-19?

Both. The purpose of any vaccine is to train the immune system in how to respond if it encounters the real disease in the future. This training does not affect the immune system against other diseases, but rather increases its strength against the targeted disease. This immunity may last for a short period or for several years, depending on the type of disease and the type of vaccine. The flu vaccine is considered good for a year, after which the immunity to the disease decreases.

Does the flu vaccine protect against Covid-19?

No, because influenza and COVID-19 are different diseases. But because both respiratory illnesses can affect the health of those infected in severe ways, vaccination against influenza can reduce its effect on a person who may already be suffering from Covid-19 disease. It is better for patients and health systems to deal with one respiratory disease rather than two.

If I get the flu shot, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available?

Currently available information indicates that an individual receiving the influenza vaccine should be able to obtain the Covid-19 vaccine once this vaccine is authorized. There are currently many Covid-19 vaccines in the phase of clinical trials around the world, aiming to show whether any of these vaccines are safe and effective against Covid-19. And if any of these vaccines are approved, not everyone will be able to obtain the new vaccine against Covid-19 until after several months. Meanwhile, getting the already available influenza vaccine is the best way to reduce the likelihood of developing severe respiratory illnesses during a period when Covid-19 and influenza viruses are spread simultaneously. The organization recommends that priority be given to health care workers and the elderly in obtaining the influenza vaccine when the number of available doses is limited.

Should I get the flu shot if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have it?

There are no known medical contraindications for vaccinating people with COVID-19. However, individuals suspected of having or confirmed COVID-19 disease must be isolated and cared for so that they are no longer able to transmit the infection, with the aim of reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19 when vaccinating themselves, because seeking immunization may increase the spread of infection to Others. For this reason, these individuals should postpone vaccination until they are released from health isolation. After that, it is recommended to take the influenza vaccine in order to reduce the risk of severe illness due to influenza.

If I have not had a flu shot before, is it safe for me to get the flu shot during a pandemic?

Yeah. There are no known medical contraindications for vaccinating people with COVID-19. The World Health Organization advises groups at high risk that the influenza vaccine should be taken during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to reduce the risk of severe respiratory diseases due to viruses that circulate simultaneously in the influenza season, and to reduce the burden on health care systems. This advice applies regardless of whether a person has previously had a flu vaccination, because the influenza strains circulating today may be different from those.