4 Variant Influenza Vaccine

Why Do We Need an Influenza Vaccine?

1. The vaccine helps to reduce illness from influenza.
2. Protects those around you who are at risk of severe illness and complications from the infection.
3. Prevents illness in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and young children.
4. Reduces the severity of influenza.
5. Decreases absenteeism from work or school.
6. Lowers the rate of influenza outbreaks.
7. Reduces hospital admissions and deaths from the disease.

High-risk groups who should receive an Influenza Vaccine

1. Healthcare personnel and those involved in caring for patients.
2. Pregnant women who are 4 months pregnant or more.
3. Children aged 6 months to 2 years  Mandatory vaccines for children
4. Individuals with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer undergoing chemotherapy, diabetes.
5. Elderly individuals aged 65 and older.
6. Individuals with mental retardation who cannot care for themselves.
7. Those with thalassemia or immune deficiencies (including symptomatic HIV-positive individuals).
8. Individuals with a body weight of 100 kg or a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher.

Common side effects:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• These side effects are not harmful and can be alleviated by applying a cold compress to the injection site. For fever, take an appropriate dose of fever-reducing medication.

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. If they occur, they usually appear within 2-3 minutes to 2-3 hours after the injection. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following: 
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or noisy breathing
• Hives, pale skin
• Fatigue, rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, loss of consciousness

Contraindications for Influenza Vaccination

• Infants under 6 months old.
• Individuals with a severe allergy to chicken or eggs, as the vaccine is produced using chicken eggs.
• Those who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine.
• Individuals with a fever or acute illness.
• Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions should delay vaccination until their condition is stable.

Reference Document: Public Information on Vaccines for Influenza, National Health Security Office.

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