The flu virus can cause mild to very severe illness. Most healthy people get over the flu without complications, but some, such as people in high-risk groups, are at greater risk for serious complications.
According to EODY, the groups of the population that are at increased risk for complications are:
– the elderly,
– very young children,
– pregnant women,
– people of any age with chronic diseases.
In Greece, the long-term monitoring of the disease has shown that influenza activity usually begins to increase during the month of January and peaks during the months of February – March.
Because the influenza virus can undergo mutations, vaccination needs to be repeated every year with an emphasis on specific groups at increased risk for vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccine is developed months before flu season begins, based on research on the most common types of viruses circulating.
After vaccination, the body needs about two weeks to develop the antibodies that offer protection. You should also know that the immunity provided by the flu vaccine decreases over time. This happens whether you have been vaccinated or have had the flu in the past.
When should you get the vaccine?
The best time to get vaccinated is before flu activity starts to increase in the community. Preferably at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual influenza epidemic wave. This, based on the EODY data, means that vaccination is preferable to be carried out from the end of October to the end of November.
It is noted that infants and children under 9 years of age who are vaccinated for the first time or those who are younger than 9 years of age and have previously been vaccinated against influenza only once need two doses, with an interval of at least 28 days.
Who should be vaccinated as a priority?
1. People aged 60 and over,
2. children (6 months and older) and adults with one or more of the following aggravating factors or chronic diseases:
chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
heart disease with severe hemodynamic disturbance,
immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired),
organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation,
sickle cell anemia (and other hemoglobinopathies),
diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease,
chronic kidney disease,
chronic liver diseases,
neurological-neuromuscular diseases,
down syndrome,
3. pregnant regardless of gestational age, lactating and lactating women,
4. people with morbid obesity (Body Mass Index >40Kg/m2) and children with BMI >95thETH,
5. children taking long-term aspirin (e.g. for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis and others),
6. people who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or care for or live with people with an underlying disease, which increases the risk of complications of influenza,
7. closed populations, such as staff and internal students (of schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), new recruits, institutions for the chronically ill and accommodation units for the elderly, detention centers,
8. workers in health service areas (medical and nursing staff, other workers, students of health professions in clinical training) and in refugee and homeless centers. The same applies to those residing in them,
9. veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterers and general people who come into systematic contact with birds or pigs.
It is important to remember that the annual vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu and reduce the chance of serious complications, especially if you belong to one of the vulnerable groups of the population.
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What are the benefits of flu vaccination for high-risk groups?
Table of Contents
The Importance of Flu Vaccination: Protecting High-Risk Groups from Serious Complications
The flu virus can cause a spectrum of illnesses, ranging from mild to very severe. While most healthy individuals can recover from the flu without complications, certain groups are at a higher risk for serious health consequences. According to the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY), these high-risk groups include the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.
High-Risk Groups for Complications
The Elderly: Older adults are more susceptible to severe flu symptoms and are at a higher risk for complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart problems.
Very Young Children: Children under the age of 5, especially those under 2, are at high risk for flu-related complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, and wheezing.
Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are more likely to experience severe flu symptoms and are at a higher risk for complications, such as preterm labor and hospitalization.
People with Chronic Diseases: Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, are at a higher risk for flu-related complications.
Flu Season in Greece
In Greece, flu activity typically begins to increase in January and peaks in February and March. This is why it’s essential to get vaccinated before the flu season starts to increase in the community.
The Importance of Vaccination
The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications. The seasonal flu vaccine is developed months before the flu season begins, based on research on the most common types of viruses circulating. Vaccination needs to be repeated every year, with an emphasis on specific groups at increased risk.
When to Get Vaccinated
The best time to get vaccinated is before flu activity starts to increase in the community, preferably at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual influenza epidemic wave. According to EODY, vaccination is recommended to be carried out from the end of October to the end of November.
Priority Groups for Vaccination
The following groups should be vaccinated as a priority:
- People aged 60 and over
- Children and adults with one or more of the following aggravating factors or chronic diseases:
Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Heart disease with severe hemodynamic disturbance
Immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired)
Organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation
Sickle cell anemia and other hemoglobinopathies
Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver diseases
Neurological-neuromuscular diseases
Down syndrome
- Pregnant women, lactating and lactating women
- People with morbid obesity (Body Mass Index >40Kg/m2) and children with BMI >95th percentile
- Children taking long-term aspirin (e.g. for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others)
- People who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or care for or live with people with an underlying disease, which increases the risk of complications of influenza
- Closed populations, such as staff and internal students (of schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), new recruits, institutions for the chronically ill, and accommodation units for the elderly, detention centers
Additional Vaccination Information
Infants and children under 9 years of age who are vaccinated for the first time or those who are younger than 9 years of age and have previously been vaccinated against influenza only once need two doses, with an interval of at least 28 days.
The immunity provided by the flu vaccine decreases over time, whether you have been vaccinated or have had the flu in the past.
* After vaccination, the body needs about two weeks to develop the antibodies that offer protection.
the flu vaccine is a vital tool in protecting high-risk groups from serious complications. By getting vaccinated, individuals can not only protect themselves but also reduce the risk of transmitting the flu to others, especially those who are most vulnerable. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get vaccinated and make informed decisions about your health.
– Why is flu vaccination especially important for high-risk groups?
The Importance of Flu Vaccination: Protecting High-Risk Groups from Serious Complications
The flu virus can cause a spectrum of illnesses, ranging from mild to very severe. While most healthy individuals can recover from the flu without complications, certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. According to the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY), these high-risk groups include the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic diseases.
Understanding the Flu Virus and Its Mutation
The flu virus is known to undergo mutations, which is why vaccination needs to be repeated every year to ensure optimal protection. The seasonal flu vaccine is developed months prior to the flu season, based on research on the most common types of viruses circulating. This is why it’s essential to get vaccinated annually to stay protected.
When to Get Vaccinated
The best time to get vaccinated is before flu activity increases in the community. According to EODY, it’s recommended to get vaccinated from the end of October to the end of November, which is about 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual influenza epidemic wave. This allows the body to develop the necessary antibodies to provide protection against the flu virus.
Who Should Be Vaccinated as a Priority?
The following groups of people should be vaccinated as a priority:
- People aged 60 and over
- Children (6 months and older) and adults with chronic diseases, such as:
Chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Heart disease with severe hemodynamic disturbance
Immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired)
Organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation
Sickle cell anemia (and other hemoglobinopathies)
Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver diseases
Neurological-neuromuscular diseases
Down syndrome
- Pregnant women, regardless of gestational age, lactating, and lactating women
- People with morbid obesity (Body Mass Index >40Kg/m2) and children with BMI >95th percentile
- Children taking long-term aspirin therapy (e.g., for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others)
- People who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or care for or live with people with an underlying disease, which increases the risk of complications of influenza
- Closed populations, such as staff and internal students (of schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), new recruits, institutions for the chronically ill, and accommodation units for the elderly, detention centers
- Workers in health service areas (medical and nursing staff, other workers, students of health professions in clinical training) and in refugee and homeless centers
- Veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterers, and general people who come into systematic contact with birds or pigs
The Benefits of Flu Vaccination for High-Risk Groups
Annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect high-risk groups from serious complications, hospitalization, and even death. By getting vaccinated, these individuals can:
Reduce the risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections
Decrease the risk of hospitalization and ICU admission
Lower the risk of death from influenza and its complications
Protect against other respiratory viruses that may circulate during the flu season
* Reduce the spread of the flu virus in the community, particularly in high-risk settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities
Conclusion
The flu virus can cause severe illness and complications, especially in high-risk groups. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect these individuals from serious harm. By understanding the importance of flu vaccination and getting vaccinated on time, we can reduce the risk of serious complications and keep our communities safe and healthy.
Keywords: flu, shot, time, high-risk groups, vaccination, complications, elderly, young children, pregnant women, chronic diseases, flu season, Greece, EODY.
