When and who should get the vaccine

Vulnerable groups of the population should start their flu vaccinationas the president of EINAP pointed out on the morning of Friday 1/11 Matina Pagonis.

“The high-risk groups should start getting the flu vaccine because it takes 15 days for antibodies, and from then on, everyone else. The flu will appear at the end of November, beginning of December and will go until the end of February” he said characteristically speaking to Mega and the show “Society Hour MEGA”.

“We have to do it, especially the people who have underlying diseases are the ones making the complications. They must be especially careful,” added Matina Pagoni.

Who should get the flu shot?

In general, vaccination becomes necessary according to one’s habits and social life. For example, it is important to vaccinate people who live or work in confined spaces (schools, prisons, hospitals), people who come into contact with infants or who plan to travel to areas with a high number of cases.

However, there are some groups for whom vaccination against the flu is deemed increasingly necessary. These are:

• Children older than 6 months. In the Greek market there is a vaccine approved for vaccination from such a young age.
• Pregnant women: After vaccination, they adequately supply not only their own immune system, but also that of the infant for the first six months of its life.
• Those who have reached the age of 60. Most of the deaths that have occurred have mainly involved this age group. In fact, to a certain extent, there were cases that recovered but showed reduced functional capacity.
• Patients with kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, reduced immune response.
• Health professionals, due to their frequent contact with people who are sick but also to highlight with their participation the importance of vaccination.

When is the right time to get the vaccine?

The first cases appear every year in the autumn months, while the epidemic usually peaks in February.

We have to keep in mind that we choose to get the vaccine during a period of time when we are perfectly healthy, without fever, chills or other cold symptoms.

Otherwise, we wait as long as it takes for us to fully recover. In addition, the vaccine begins to cover us after 2-3 weeks from its administration.

From October is a good time to start vaccination.

The administration of the 2nd dose which is usually done in February is not necessary for everyone. It is decided by the doctor based on the patient’s history and co-morbidities.

A second dose is also given to children under the age of 9 when they are vaccinated for the first time. The administration of the second dose takes place one month after the administration of the first dose.

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#vaccine
**Interview​ with Matina ⁢Pagonis, President of EINAP​ on Flu Vaccination ​Recommendations**

**Editor:**​ Good morning, Matina! Thank you for joining us​ today⁣ to discuss the important​ topic of flu vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups.

**Matina Pagonis:**⁣ Good morning! Thank you for⁢ having me.

**Editor:** To start off,​ can you explain why you believe it is crucial for high-risk groups to begin their flu vaccinations ⁢now?

**Matina Pagonis:** Absolutely. The⁢ flu season typically starts at the end of November and⁤ can last until the end of February.‍ It takes‍ about 15 days ‌for the vaccine to build antibodies in the body, so we recommend that high-risk groups, such as ​those with underlying health conditions, get vaccinated as ⁢soon as possible.

**Editor:** That makes perfect sense. Who would you classify ‌as high-risk groups needing the vaccine?

**Matina ‌Pagonis:** High-risk groups include children over six months old, pregnant women,‍ individuals over ‌the age ‌of ⁢60, and ‍those with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory diseases. Health ​professionals also ⁤play a⁢ crucial ​role and should be vaccinated to protect themselves and ⁢their​ patients.

**Editor:**‍ Many people worry about the⁣ timing of the vaccine. When is the ideal time⁣ to get⁣ vaccinated?

**Matina Pagonis:** The best time to get vaccinated is now, as early as possible in ‌the autumn months. ‍This ensures that individuals are adequately protected as flu​ cases begin to rise.

**Editor:** You’ve also mentioned the importance ‌of ‌vaccination in ⁣specific settings. Could you elaborate on‌ that?

**Matina Pagonis:** Certainly. Those who live or work in confined spaces,‍ like schools or hospitals, ⁣are at a higher ⁤risk of exposure to the flu. It’s also wise for anyone who might​ travel to areas where flu cases are prevalent to ⁣get vaccinated.‍

**Editor:** Thank you for that clarification, Matina. what message would you⁢ like ⁤to leave our viewers regarding flu vaccinations?

**Matina ⁣Pagonis:** I encourage ⁤everyone, especially those in high-risk categories,⁤ to prioritize ‍their flu vaccinations ⁢this season. Protecting ourselves not only safeguards⁤ our health⁣ but also helps protect our loved ones and the⁣ wider community.

**Editor:** Thank you, Matina, for your ‍valuable insights⁤ on this critical health⁤ issue.

**Matina Pagonis:** Thank you for having me! Let’s⁢ all stay healthy this​ flu season.