Vaccination for Flu & Pneumonia

Vaccination for Flu & Pneumonia

Vaccination for flu (influenza) and pneumonia (pneumococcal disease) is recommended by healthcare authorities to protect against these respiratory illnesses, particularly for individuals at higher risk of complications. Here's an overview of flu and pneumonia vaccinations:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination:

• Annual Vaccination: The flu virus can change from year to year, so a new flu vaccine is developed each year to target the specific strains expected to circulate. It is recommended to get vaccinated annually, ideally before the flu season begins.
• Types of Flu Vaccines:
  • Inactivated influenza vaccine: This is the most common type, given as an injection and suitable for individuals aged 6 months and older.
  • Live attenuated influenza vaccine: This is a nasal spray vaccine containing weakened flu viruses. It is typically recommended for healthy, non-pregnant individuals between 2 and 49 years of age.
  • High-dose vaccine and adjuvanted vaccine: These are specially formulated vaccines for individuals aged 65 and older, providing enhanced immune response.
• Benefits of Flu Vaccination:
  • Reduces the risk of flu infection: The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus, reducing the chances of getting infected.
  • Decreases severity and complications: Even if vaccinated individuals contract the flu, the vaccine can lessen the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications, hospitalization, and death.
  • Community protection: Widespread vaccination helps protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Pneumococcal Vaccination:

• Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines:
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13): This vaccine is recommended for infants and young children and may also be recommended for adults with certain medical conditions.
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): This vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions or at increased risk of pneumococcal disease.
• Benefits of Pneumococcal Vaccination:
  • Prevents pneumococcal infections: The vaccines protect against various strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
  • Reduces complications and mortality: Pneumococcal vaccination can lower the risk of severe pneumococcal disease, hospitalization, and death.
  • Protection against antibiotic-resistant strains: Vaccination can help prevent infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.