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The most effective way to prevent it is by getting vaccinated with it. Influenza vaccine, which, when administered appropriately and in a timely manner, protects against transmission of the influenza virus, helps protect against serious complications of influenza and consequently in reduction of absences from work, school and any other social event, says the circular of the Ministry of Health on vaccination against influenza this year and was sent to all competent bodies.
“Like every year and because of the flu virus mutates in different subserotypes, so for the period 2020-2021 the composition of the influenza vaccine contains the approved strains of the virus, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
For this season you can it is prescribed, according to the National Vaccination Program, any influenza vaccine (licensed), whose composition contains the strains approved by the Hellenic Medicines Agency (EOF).
It is pointed out that, through the systems pharmacovigilance operating internationally, there have been no serious systemic side effects of the influenza vaccine ”, it is noted in the circular.
At the same time, it is noted that during the upcoming 2020-2021 influenza season, the influenza virus will be launched in parallel with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This particular situation requires the most complete implementation of influenza vaccination in the next period, giving priority to the vaccination of individuals belonging to high-risk groups.
“The objective is to reduce the chances of simultaneous infection with both viruses, which can aggravate the condition of patients, as well as reduce the burden on health services, especially Intensive Care Units, so that they can better respond to a possible increase demand ”, affirms the Ministry of Health.
Who should get the flu vaccine as a priority?
According to the National Vaccination Program of our country, influenza vaccination should be applied systematically and as a priority to people (adults and children) belonging to the following high risk groups:
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 disorder. Immunosuppression (inherited or acquired). Organ transplant and bone marrow transplant. Sickle cell disease (and other hemoglobinopathies) Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease. Chronic kidney disease Chronic liver disease. Neurological-neuromuscular diseases. Down’s Syndrome
3. Pregnant women regardless of gestational age, lactating women and nursing mothers.
4. People with morbid obesity (body mass index> 40Kg / m2) and children with BMI> 95n.
5. Children taking long-term aspirin (eg, for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).
6. People who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or who care for or live with people with an underlying illness, increasing the risk of complications from the flu.
7. Closed populations, such as boarding staff and students (schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), conscripts, institutions for the chronically ill and nursing homes, detention centers.
8. Employees in health service areas (medical personnel, other employees, students of the health professions in clinical practice) and in refugee-immigrant accommodation centers.
9. Homeless people.
10. Veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterhouses and, in general, people who come into regular contact with birds or pigs.
When to do it to be effective
You should get the flu shot on time and before the start of the usual period of onset of the flu, since it takes about 2 weeks to achieve an immune response. Preferably, vaccination should be completed at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual influenza epidemic in Greece (ie mid to late November).
Also, vaccination happens during seasonal flu for people for whom vaccination is indicated and who were not vaccinated on time.
Flu vaccination generally involves only 1 dose of the vaccine per year. Infants and children <9 years vaccinated for the first time, or those <9 ετών που στο παρελθόν είχαν λάβει μόνο 1 δόση εμβολίου γρίπης χρειάζονται 2 δόσεις αντιγριπικού εμβολίου με μεσοδιάστημα τουλάχιστον 28 ημερών. Σε βρέφη ηλικίας >= 6 months 0.5 ml (the full dose) is administered according to the instructions of the official European pharmaceutical agencies or others (FDA, Coreper, etc.).
Vaccination of healthcare professionals is essential
The health service personnel are in increased risk contracting infections at work and passing them on to colleagues, patients and family members. Immunization against influenza by healthcare personnel not only protects vaccinated people, as indicated in the circular, but also acts as a barrier against the transmission of influenza to people with contraindications to vaccination (for example, young infants 6 months, allergy sufferers). etc.) or with a low immune response and contributes to the smooth maintenance of health care delivery during the peak of seasonal influenza. Special mention is made of the staff of the Intensive Care Units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Units, the Intensive Care Units, as well as the staff of the Special Infection Units, the Special Immunosuppressant Units, the Transfusion and Transplant Units , Transplant Units The Emergency Department (ICC) must be fully vaccinated.
It is recalled that the annual vaccination coverage rate of the health personnel of each hospital (public, private or military), primary care center and local health unit and efficiency of the Administrations of the health services units and the quality of the health services provided.
The Nosocomial Infections Committee of any Hospital or other health institution. should:
1. Promote and facilitate uninterrupted vaccination against influenza for medical and other personnel.
2. Send EODY data on vaccination coverage for seasonal influenza of its employees, in total and by high-risk department (as above) ”concludes the circular of the Ministry of Health for vaccination against influenza.
