The annual flu vaccination period has commenced, emphasizing the need for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated promptly. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines recommending vaccination before the typical flu outbreak season, which usually starts in mid-October and lasts until late November.
Vaccines for the 2024-2025 season will be available, including standard vaccines that can be obtained without a prescription at pharmacies. New immuno-enhanced vaccines will also be available but require a prescription and are recommended for specific population groups.
Enhanced quadrivalent inactivated vaccines, such as QIV-HD and aQIV, are noted for their high immunogenicity, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older. These vaccines have demonstrated a satisfactory safety profile, despite a slightly higher incidence of side effects compared to standard flu vaccines.
It is crucial for individuals aged 65 and older to receive the enhanced vaccines; however, if these are unavailable, vaccination should not be delayed, and any available flu vaccine should be administered.
The flu vaccination is generally a single annual dose, but children under 9 years old receiving their first vaccine may require two doses spaced at least 28 days apart. The vaccine can be administered on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine, provided they are given at different anatomical sites.
Recent epidemiological data indicate a rise in flu cases, with significant hospitalizations and deaths reported. During the previous flu season, there were 149 confirmed cases in intensive care units, resulting in 71 deaths, a notable increase from the previous year. Most of these patients had not received the flu vaccine, despite being in high-risk groups.
This vaccination campaign is critical as public health officials aim to reduce the impact of influenza on the global population, especially as the flu season coincides with ongoing health challenges posed by COVID-19.